sapiens

If I found out that there was a convicted sex offender living across the street, I would immediately assume he was dangerous. He is more of a threat than any "unknown" person, regardless of the specifics of his crime. Past criminal behavior, whatever it may be is a good predictor of future criminal behavior. I will always protect the interests of my family over the interests of an unknown convicted sex offender.

After immediately assuming that he is a threat, I would try to find out more about the particulars of his offense. I would adjust my outlook from there.

I don't see any problem with going to a neighbor to discuss the situation. I might ask the advice of a friend before I went to the police. No angry mob was formed as a consequence. There was no lynching. His conviction is a matter of public record. I think that it is reasonable to discuss it in public.

If someone I meet is a convicted felon, regardless of the specifics, I will be hesitant around them. Even if I found out later that they were convicted of having sexual intercourse with their 17 year old girlfriend at age eighteen, I would still feel justified with my initial hesitation. (Though my opinion of them would change for the better).

That said, the sex offender registry system seems seriously flawed. I know that in many communities, it is impossible for a convicted sex offender to find a place to live- all apartments are too close to an "off limits" area. If convicted and released sex offenders are so dangerous, perhaps we need to improve their rehabilitation. I also know of people who must register because of a streaking incident in college. Being a registered sex offender for such an offense is absurd. Knowing this, I would still assume that an unknown sex offender is dangerous before knowing more about him (or her).