Implementation of ‘Megan’s Law’
The Times recently covered a story regarding the Placentia Police Department’s decision to implement AB 1562 (“Megan’s Law”), wherein we notified members of our community about a convicted child molester who had been released from prison (Jan. 10 and Jan. 15). While we believe that this man has the right to live peacefully in our community, free from harassment, we also had to weigh our responsibility to the citizens of this city.
AB 1562 requires specific criteria to be met before this information can be released. In our case, all of the criteria were met and we felt it necessary to inform the community where Sidney Landau is now living. The intent is to allow the public to protect themselves and their children from sex offenders, not to hang a “scarlet letter” on someone and make him an outcast of society.
This decision was not hastily made. There were several things to consider, such as his ability to assimilate back into society, his right to find and retain employment, and to feel secure in his home. However, we determined, based on his criminal history, that the safety of our community’s children could be in jeopardy if we did not take the steps which the law now allows in notifying the public about a potential danger.
We appear to be the first Southern California city to implement “Megan’s Law,” but we are certain not to be the last.
NORMAN Z. ECKENRODE
Mayor of Placentia
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
