Lyons – The town’s board of trustees decided Monday night not to place limits on where sex offenders can live in the small foothills town, ending the unexpected controversy that had ensnared the panel.
“Our initial proposal, while it is emotionally appealing, it gives a false sense of security,” said Trustee Brian Donnell. “I do believe it would tie up law enforcement resources with what is not an effective sort of law.”
Trustee Kris Hicar brought up the idea of placing residency restrictions on sex offenders at a meeting last month. The proposed ordinance would have limited how close sex offenders could live to schools, parks and other areas where children congregate.
But the trustees found themselves involved in the much larger controversy over whether such laws are effective or constitutional. Dozens of people called or wrote letters. Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle opposed the proposed ordinance.
Across the country, 27 states and hundreds of cities have passed sex offender residency restrictions, but the laws have drawn legal challenges. Last year, Greenwood Village became the first city in Colorado to pass such a restriction, and Aurora City Council members are considering a similar law.
Karen Vigil, a senior probation officer in Boulder County, told the board Monday that no research suggests residency restrictions are effective at preventing sex offenders from preying on children. Instead, she said, the laws most often isolate offenders from treatment and encourage them to go underground.
“If what you’re looking for is increased safety in your community, this is not the best fix,” Vigil said.
Hicar said she is still concerned about other cities passing restrictions that may force more sex offenders to move to Lyons. But she said the best approach right now for Lyons is for parents to be educated and vigilant.
Staff writer John Ingold can be reached at 720-929-0898 or jingold@denverpost.com.
