Seeking public input on sex offender ‘loophole’
City Councilor Michael Flaherty is calling for a public hearing on how the city is tracking sex offenders, looking to close a “loophole” that lets them register as homeless and live in public spaces like the Common.
“Having this loophole puts the public at a huge disadvantage when trying to protect children from sex predators,” said Flaherty, who is proposing the hearing. “Our hope is the hearing will convene all the appropriate stakeholders to craft a solution and get it to Beacon Hill.”
The Herald reported last month that more than 200 city sex offenders — including 75 Level 3 offenders — are on the lam after failing to register with the state and that 173 offenders have registered as homeless in the city.
State law allows homeless offenders to list areas like the Boston Common or South Station as addresses and advocates say the practice makes it harder for police to track them.
The police department is set to receive a $130,000 federal grant to help pay for overtime to track offenders, but Flaherty said he wanted to see the state re-examine rules allowing for homeless registration. The hearing calls for officials to discuss “policies and procedures for registration and tracking of sex offenders, along with mechanisms to promote public awareness and advocacy.” Wendy Murphy, an attorney who specializes in sexual violence cases, said she thought the hearing would prompt state action. “Having a hearing just to air the issue and gather information and let the public have its say, make it a public record, that, to me, will be the ignition switch that very quickly turns into statewide policy,” Murphy said. “If Boston is being the most aggressive, then you’re going to put pressure on all other cities and towns to do the right thing.”