When I started this project, my sister and her daughter were moving to Vancouver from out of province. She consulted me regarding safe, convenient and inexpensive housing options, and I assisted with the knowledge I had. It was at this time that I began exploring topics for my Geography 355 term project and realized that a spatial analysis of the residences of repeat sex offenders is needed in the GVRD area. I took into account that according to Statistics Canada, in 2001 BC had a rate of 89 reported sexual assaults for every 100,000 people. I had to question if this rate (although actual figures may be much higher) would be reduced if the people in the communities where the sex offenders resided were informed of the risk. Recidivism (repeat offences) among these types of specialist predators once they are released from the prison system has been substantiated as rehabilitation has proven futile. I began my research at the B.C. Crime Prevention Centre to find out about how BC is managing repeat offenders, and this is when I discovered Meghan's Law.

The United States has statutes, known as Megan's Law, which requires that offenders register with their local law enforcement agency after release. It also allows police to release information to community members regarding known violent sexual offenders who are returning to the community after incarceration. This information can include the offender's picture, aliases, and his place of residence, which enables community members to make informed choices regarding the safety of their children, families, and community. In 2001, the British Columbia government started monitoring offenders and initiated a registry system available to police. The public has no access to this information, thus it inhibits publicly informed choices regarding safety issues among communities in BC.

With no available data for British Columbia, I turned to Manhattan, New York. It is an urban, cosmopolitan city like the Lower Mainland, with a diverse population in terms of socioeconomic and ethnic diversity. It would prove to be an excellent data source and an example of how a spatial analysis can provide insight into this important social issue.