Law enforcement officials across Westchester and Rockland counties gathered Friday in support of Governor George Pataki's (R-NY) five-point plan aimed at protecting the public against convicted sex offenders.

Pataki?s plan includes the long-debated issue of civil confinement for violent sex offenders. At least 16 states have passed laws authorizing the civil confinement of sexually violent predators to psychiatric hospitals after they've served their sentences in prison. Some feel civil confinement is depriving the person of due process. However, civil confinement grew in support after the brutal murder in White Plains of Connie Russo Carriero at the hands of a convicted sex offender in June.

Other parts of the governor?s plan include longer sentences, strengthening Megan?s Law and ending the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault when there is DNA evidence available.

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