ABSTRACT
What happens once convicted sex abusers are released from prison? Where do they live? How are they monitored? Do neighbours have a right to know who is l iving in their street? These questions gained a dramatic media prominence and public profile during the second half of the 1990s. In 1996 the government unveiled plans to establish an official register of sex offenders which triggered media and public demands for community notification. People began to agitate for 'the right to know' when convicted sex abusers were housed in their communities: the government and 'the professionals' rapidly lost control of the news agenda and information distribution. The names and photographs of offenders were publicised in the press and passed on to neighbours. In some cases direct action was taken to drive these men out of their homes. Monitoring, supervision, 'treatment' and housing of offenders was disrupted and policy makers had to reconsider legislation, policy and practice.
