What should you do?

This notification will assist you and your family in avoiding situations that may make you vulnerable. Please remember that these people have served their sentences and are not wanted by the Sheriff’s office at this time. Citizen abuse of this information such as threats, intimidation, or harassment of these offenders is prohibited by law.

Children are particularly vulnerable to offenders. Open communications between parents and children are vital to family safety. If a picture is available from your government Web site, show it to your family. In general terms, tell your children that this person has hurt someone before. Explain to them they should stay away from this individual. Avoid scary details. The purpose behind community notification is to reduce the chance of future victimization by better informing the public. Nearly 80% of all sex crimes are committed by someone known to the victim.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. Is it just a matter of time before the offender commits another crime?
A. While there is no way that anyone can accurately predict the future behavior of another person, past behaviors are an indication of whether an individual, or group, poses a higher risk to the public. For example, if a driver has speeding tickets, they pose a greater risk to be in a traffic accident than drivers who do not; thus, they pay more for their insurance because they are more likely to get into an accident than non-speeders. Not all speeders get into accidents. In fact, most will not have an accident; it’s just that they are statistically more likely to have an accident than are other drivers. Similarly, not all offenders will commit another crime; however, knowledge of a potential risk should assist you and your family in avoiding situations that allow for easy access to victims.

Q. There is an offender in our area that I believe is coming in contact with children. What should I do?
A. First of all, do not confront the individual. Contact us and inform us of your suspicion. We will inquire whether or not contact with children is being made.

Q. What do I tell my children about this offender?
A. DON’T accept a ride from this person, DON’T go into their home or yard. TELL your parents if this person offers you toys, money or gifts.

Other safety tips to discuss with your children:

• There are certain kinds of strangers that can assist you when you need help – others with children, other children, police in uniform or store clerks in the mall.
• Teach your children to dial 911 and to use a pay phone without money.
• Teach your children to trust their feelings and say NO and run away from a situation that doesn’t feel right.