Sexual Predator in the Neighborhood
How to Prepare When a Registered Sex Offender Moves In
Sep 6, 2009
A registered sex offender is someone who has been found guilty of a sex crime. He or she is entered in the sex offender database in his or her country of residence and must follow certain guidelines designed to protect the public.
The laws governing sexual predators vary depending on geographic location, and some countries have stricter guidelines than others. In the United States, a sexual predator must register with the National Sex Offender Registry; in the UK, it is called ViSOR, or Violent and Sex Offender Register.
Regardless, a sexual predator moving in to the neighborhood is understandably cause for concern, and families should know how to protect themselves from a registered sex offender. That individual may no longer harbor violent intent, but there is no way for citizens to know this.
Determine the Sex Crime
The first step to coping with a sexual predator in the neighborhood is to determine where he or she lives and of what crime he or she was convicted. In the United States, for example, families can visit FamilyWatchdog.us and search for a sex offender in their neighborhood. A variety of data is provided, including the predator's:
- Full name
- Street address
- Known aliases
- Conviction date
- Age of victim
- Nature of crime
- Physical description (eye color, hair color, height, weight, gender, race and age)
A concerned citizen would be able to tell if the sexual predator is a child molester, for instance, by researching the age of the victim and crime of which he was convicted.
Spread the Word
Citizens do not need to print up fliers and hang them on every light pole and stop sign in the neighborhood, but they can help keep other families safe from sexual predators. Simply letting friends and family members know about the new addition to the community might help save a life.
Some areas may have laws regarding the ways in which citizens can spread the word about a sex offender. Harassment is not tolerated regardless of the victim, and both slander and libel are also actionable in most jurisdictions. It is important to remain within the letter of the law when coping with a sexual predator in the neighborhood and talk only to friends and family members.
Remember that vigilantism is against the law in most areas of the world. Citizens who incite or commit crimes against anyone else, including a registered sex offender, might find themselves charged with a crime themselves.
Set Rules
Regardless of the sex crime(s) for which the predator was convicted, it is reasonable to give his or her residence a wide berth. All family members should be informed of the danger and should make a point to stay away from that area of the neighborhood.
This is especially true of children who might enjoy roller blading, bike riding, walking or jogging in the area. A sexual predator in the neighborhood constitutes a real danger, and although it is never a good idea to scare children with too much information, parents should still exercise vigilance.
Talk to Police
Citizens who are concerned about a sexual predator in the neighborhood should talk to local police officers who might have additional tips and advice to share. Law enforcement officers are excellent sources of information and support, and can help families determine where the most risks lie.
It is also a good idea to talk to other authorities in the neighborhood, such as teachers and administrators at a child's school. These professionals are often not aware of sex offenders living nearby, and might appreciate knowing.
Report Illegal Activity
Any time a citizen notices something strange or inappropriate involving convicted sex offenders, he or she should notify the authorities. No one should investigate the situation himself; it is much better to let the police handle it.
In the United States, police officers or other law enforcement professionals will inform neighbors when a high-risk sex offender moves into the neighborhood. Medium- and low-risk offenders do not always warrant notification, but citizens can regularly check official web sites for updates on sexual predators in the neighborhood.
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