2026 Theses Doctoral

Linking Neighborhood with Child Sex Offender Residence: The Case of Long Island

Ebesu, Duane

This research examines the intersection of neighborhood characteristics and child sex offender residential placement, using Long Island as a case study. The research examines how systemic inequalities, legislative environments, and social responses condition offender residency, which often finds offenders in economically disadvantaged communities. These communities, with elevated levels of poverty, unemployment, and weak social bonding, bear disproportionate burdens and contribute to patterns of marginalization for both residents and offenders.

The study critically reviews residency restrictions, such as Megan’s Law, which, while hailed as promoting public safety, often lead to consequences of reduced employment opportunities and increased social exclusion for offenders. Media sensationalism and fear from the public continue to feed stigma, inform policy, and consequently produce no lessening of recidivism rates nor progress at tackling root inequalities. The research draws on theoretical analysis, quantitative data, and case studies to reveal the manner in which offenders are concentrated within neighborhoods of the least-desirable socioeconomic characteristics. These neighborhoods are typified by fewer resources and larger representations of minority residents.

The patterns of clustering further destabilize neighborhood cohesion, promote systemic inequities, and detract from the rehabilitation of offenders; moreover, rather than punitive and uniform approaches, this study calls for policies that balance community safety with effective measures of equitable reintegration. It provides actionable insight on structural and social factors of offender residency that can be adopted by policymakers and communities in an aim to strengthen public safety and rehabilitation, and improve the stability of neighborhoods.