Norwich — The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments voted Wednesday to support the city in its efforts to advocate for “compliance with a program in which offenders are released back to, supervised in and housed in their city of origin.”

Mayor Peter Nystrom and City Manager Alan H. Bergren had sent a letter asking for SCCOG to back its efforts, and SCCOG approved Wednesday sending a letter to the Department of Correction in support of the city.

The issue first came up when city officials learned that sex offenders were being relocated to Norwich from the January Center, a treatment center in Montville. In September, state officials confirmed that at least two of the three sex offenders would be moved out of Norwich, The Day reported.

“The DOC has not communicated with municipalities regarding its policies surrounding this release program and is violating the promise that they had made to release these offenders back to their city of origin,” the Sept. 18 letter from Norwich officials reads.

“This is cause for great concern for our residents and appointed and elected officials, not only in Norwich, but in all municipalities that (will) be negatively affected by this practice,” the letter further stated. “The offenders are being placed in housing with no regard to proximity to areas frequented by minors and/or senior citizens. This practice also places an undue burden on our taxpayers for the increased costs of public safety, social services, and other services that may be relied upon to address potential problems.”

The letter also asks for support from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.