My girlfriend called me and told me about this last week.  There is a registered offender that just moved from another state into a house directly across the street from their house where she lives with her husband and 4 children all under the age of 12.

Her children are no longer permitted to play out in front of their house or to walk to the bus stop or to their friends houses alone.  It just doesn't seem fair to the children.  She found it disturbing that our local police department didn't notify the residents that this man moved into the neighborhood.  His conviction is serious and she feels they should have been notified in compliance with Megans Law.  she is still waiting for a return call from the police department.

My State Police website also has a page listing offenders that indicates where they live, work, etc., and a picture of them.  I check it periodically, and have recognized a few of them in town.  One of which is a woman.

In my entire town there are about 10, but that is ten too many for me.

Thanks for the website link.

I live in the country and there a few sex offenders; I thought there would be more. Now, all of the sex offenders seemed to be located in the city limits and most of them live near schools. What really surprised me was all the women committing these crimes. However, there are a ton of rapist near my neighborhood.

This information is good to know, but it is really scary.

Thanks for the website link.

I live in the country and there a few sex offenders; I thought there would be more. Now, all of the sex offenders seemed to be located in the city limits and most of them live near schools. What really surprised me was all the women committing these crimes. However, there are a ton of rapist near my neighborhood.

This information is good to know, but it is really scary.

thank you! Our local paper publishes this info anytime a new sex offender registers. We have several in our neighborhood! We also have a halfway house.  Thankfully we have a tall fenced in yard for our kids to play in. 

It's scary how many perverts can be lurking around so close to home.  I live in the country too, so I was amazed at the number of red dots that showed up.

I did this myself. Luckily I think because I live in an ocean town we have fewer sex offenders. I have NO idea why that is but this is the 3rd community I've lived in (ocean wise) and it's similar. Very safe and not one sex offenders it seems want to live in.

mysticstarfish said…

 She found it disturbing that our local police department didn't notify the residents that this man moved into the neighborhood.  His conviction is serious and she feels they should have been notified in compliance with Megans Law.  she is still waiting for a return call from the police department.

---

As far as I know, she should have been notified, along everyone else within like a 1 mile radius.  I have to sign Megan's Law documentation several times per year when registered sex offenders move into the area or get jobs close to the school. 

I hate signing it because I only see the picture and info for 30 seconds at most.  If one of them ever attacked a child, I could be held responsible for it even though I had no picture or information to refer to.

 

njchicaa said…

mysticstarfish said…

 She found it disturbing that our local police department didn't notify the residents that this man moved into the neighborhood.  His conviction is serious and she feels they should have been notified in compliance with Megans Law.  she is still waiting for a return call from the police department.

---

As far as I know, she should have been notified, along everyone else within like a 1 mile radius.  I have to sign Megan's Law documentation several times per year when registered sex offenders move into the area or get jobs close to the school. 

I hate signing it because I only see the picture and info for 30 seconds at most.  If one of them ever attacked a child, I could be held responsible for it even though I had no picture or information to refer to.

 

---

As of today, no one has contacted her, or her neighbors.  She called the P.D. again, and all they do is take a message from her.

Why could you be held responsible?  That doesn't seem fair.

mysticstarfish said…

Why could you be held responsible?  That doesn't seem fair.

---

Well, I was shown the offender's picture and information for 30 seconds and signed off on seeing it...  that documentation could probably come back to bite me in the butt if one of those individuals ever did assault one of our students.  I've been extremely uncomfortable about signing off on that stuff for years now...  if I don't have copies of the info to refer to, how am I supposed to remember what I was told 3 or more years ago?

njchicaa said…

mysticstarfish said…

Why could you be held responsible?  That doesn't seem fair.

---

Well, I was shown the offender's picture and information for 30 seconds and signed off on seeing it...  that documentation could probably come back to bite me in the butt if one of those individuals ever did assault one of our students.  I've been extremely uncomfortable about signing off on that stuff for years now...  if I don't have copies of the info to refer to, how am I supposed to remember what I was told 3 or more years ago?

---

I didn't realize you have students.  Now I can see where the responsibility issue comes in.  That must be very scary for you...it doesn't seem right.  If you are involved with students/children you should be able to keep the information you are required to sign, in your own files.

Shortly after we moved into our house, a registered sex offender moved across the street from us. We never had any issues with him (he has since moved), but I watch my kids like a hawk any time they are outside, even if they are in the fenced back yard. I'd rather be too safe than too sorry with my children.

I know I need to look this info up but it totally freaks me out!!!

Good information, but it's disturbing to think about.  I used to know I guy who was a cop and often said ''You do not want to know how many crazy people are running around out there.''

JovialCougar said…
Good information, but it's disturbing to think about.  I used to know I guy who was a cop and often said ''You do not want to know how many crazy people are running around out there.''

---

I know what you mean. When I looked at the map where I live, it really scared me. I do feel a little safer after finding out a cop lives a couple of houses down from me last week.

My Mom sent this to me a few months ago but somehow I lost the link - thanks for providing it! It freaks me out to think about it but it's a good idea to know who might be in your neighborhood.

Do you ever wonder why they don't list all other criminal offenses so publicly?  Personally I'm not 100% for the sex offender list b/c of the lack of detail and that some people may get on there for small things and then others instantly assume the worst. 

I've heard stories on the news of people who were charged with rape, only for the girl to come clean years later to say it never happened - but the record still shows rape regardless and everyone in the neighborhood can look that up. I've also heard stories of teens who had sex (like he was 18 she was 16) and the mother pressed charges and now that teen is forever on the list as having sex with a minor (but it doesn't say she was 16, just says minor).  If they are going to list this stuff, they should at least list the exact details of how old the involved people were because if I saw on the list "18 yr old male had sex with 16yr old girlfriend and mother pressed charges", I wouldn't think the same bad thoughts as I would now when I see "male had sex with minor".  The second makes people assume it was a little kid, when it might not be all the time.

How about listing other things if we are worried about who's living by us?

• List of criminals who did home invasions
• List of criminals who somehow or other were involved in a murder
• List of criminals involved in identity theft or other fraud that resulted in people losing their money

I just never understood why this list is made but others are not.  If we are really looking to protect people, then why not have all criminals listed?

Also, reading your comments and even when I look at the site myself - all the site does in my opinion is make people scared.  In this day, I think the best idea is really not to trust anyone in your neighborhood.  People don't have to be listed on here to be bad people.  Keep an eye on your kids, know where they are and who they are with at all times, and other than that, that's all you can do.  Personally KNOWING they are there does not make me feel any safer. 

I'd rather do more of a spot check, look up people my kids have to deal with.  I know my mom looked up my husband when we started dating and he passed the test (i would hope!).  When I have kids, I would look up parents if they were staying the night places and things like that, but doing a general "who is in the neighborhood" does nothing but add additional fear to my head.  Just teach them to be safe and stay away from strangers.  That's about the best we can do.

vivasuzi said…

Do you ever wonder why they don't list all other criminal offenses so publicly?  Personally I'm not 100% for the sex offender list b/c of the lack of detail and that some people may get on there for small things and then others instantly assume the worst. 

I've heard stories on the news of people who were charged with rape, only for the girl to come clean years later to say it never happened - but the record still shows rape regardless and everyone in the neighborhood can look that up. I've also heard stories of teens who had sex (like he was 18 she was 16) and the mother pressed charges and now that teen is forever on the list as having sex with a minor (but it doesn't say she was 16, just says minor).  If they are going to list this stuff, they should at least list the exact details of how old the involved people were because if I saw on the list "18 yr old male had sex with 16yr old girlfriend and mother pressed charges", I wouldn't think the same bad thoughts as I would now when I see "male had sex with minor".  The second makes people assume it was a little kid, when it might not be all the time.

How about listing other things if we are worried about who's living by us?

• List of criminals who did home invasions
• List of criminals who somehow or other were involved in a murder
• List of criminals involved in identity theft or other fraud that resulted in people losing their money

I just never understood why this list is made but others are not.  If we are really looking to protect people, then why not have all criminals listed?

---

The people that are charged with sexual assualts are categorized into tiers.  My State Police website indicates which category each offender falls into.  It also tells you if the crime was committed against a minor and what age.

My local newspaper prints weekly arrests made and warrants served and also lists for what type of crime. 

There is also a website that you can put in your address and get results of people living around you with any convictions ranging from petty theft to murder.  I looked at it last year.  I will get the website again from my friend.

I welcomed the results from the site giving the convictions for all criminal activity, because was I surprised by the results.  A neighbor, who has kids in school with my son, was charged and convicted of drug trafficking.  He apparently did time and was released.  Does that mean he won't do it again?  No.  His conviction was not that long ago and he didn't serve more than 8 years. But clearly, this is not a home I would want my son to visit and I was glad to find out about it. 

Had I not checked this website, I would not have known and would have continued to think, hey, their a nice family.  You never know what goes on behind closed doors, and it's pretty scary when you do find out.

I watch every move my son makes. I still won't allow him into a public restroom alone (he is quite embarrassed by this), he doesn't walk to his bus stop either.  His friends are more than welcome to come to my home, and I only let him go to a couple of his friends homes.

I just think every little bit of information I can get, can help me to make better decisions.

Yes mystic and I've researched the specific teir a person was in before, but in my opinion MOST people won't do this.  MOST will look, see the person on the list and say PERVERT!  STAY AWAY FROM THAT PERSON!!  Right away. 

I would like to see this website about crimes commited. Although, it seems most the crimes commited in my neighborhood are done by people who don't live in the neighborhood so now that I think about it, does that really make you feel safer?

Isn't it sad how much we have to worry about everything all the time?  I'm so sick of bad people, honestly. 

vivasuzi said…

Yes mystic and I've researched the specific teir a person was in before, but in my opinion MOST people won't do this.  MOST will look, see the person on the list and say PERVERT!  STAY AWAY FROM THAT PERSON!!  Right away. 

I would like to see this website about crimes commited. Although, it seems most the crimes commited in my neighborhood are done by people who don't live in the neighborhood so now that I think about it, does that really make you feel safer?

Isn't it sad how much we have to worry about everything all the time?  I'm so sick of bad people, honestly. 

---

I just sent a text to my friend. When I get the address I will post it.  It really is a shame....it's almost as though kids can't be kids anymore.

vivasuzi said…

If we are really looking to protect people, then why not have all criminals listed?

---

Becasue you would probably be afraid to leave your own home - ever :(

Well Jovial, honestly I have learned to just get over it.  I say to myself "if I stay home, they could break in and kill me.  If I leave, they could be out there and kill me."

So I just try to enjoy life, stay cautious and aware, but sometimes you just have to let go.  Being worried all the time is no fun and it's letting the criminals get the best of us.  I really don't even watch the news that much anymore.  Soon as they start reporting local crimes I change the channel. 

vivasuzi said…

Well Jovial, honestly I have learned to just get over it.  I say to myself "if I stay home, they could break in and kill me.  If I leave, they could be out there and kill me."

So I just try to enjoy life, stay cautious and aware, but sometimes you just have to let go.  Being worried all the time is no fun and it's letting the criminals get the best of us.  I really don't even watch the news that much anymore.  Soon as they start reporting local crimes I change the channel. 

---

I agree.

A co-worker and his wife are from Bangladesh and they invited my wife and I for dinner a couple weekends ago. He said that the US is MUCH safer than many countries when it comes to walking around. He said that you could literally be killed for your shoes in Bangladesh and that conditions can be equally brutal in several Middle Eastern countries. They are now in the US to stay (he has an MBA and she has a PhD in biochemistry) and love to talk about how it is so peaceful and non-threatening here. And yes, they have a child.

--Bob

Way to put things in perspective Bob!  In countries like that, people do get put in a lot more danger b/c of the fact that the government doesn't do much about it, and in a lot of cases the government is the one promoting the killing!  So it is nice to live in a country where at least we know people do get arrested and the fear of that keeps many from doing anything bad.  It's the ones who think they can get away with it (cough...Kwame...cough) that we have to look out for.

vivasuzi said…

Do you ever wonder why they don't list all other criminal offenses so publicly?  Personally I'm not 100% for the sex offender list b/c of the lack of detail and that some people may get on there for small things and then others instantly assume the worst. 

I've heard stories on the news of people who were charged with rape, only for the girl to come clean years later to say it never happened - but the record still shows rape regardless and everyone in the neighborhood can look that up. I've also heard stories of teens who had sex (like he was 18 she was 16) and the mother pressed charges and now that teen is forever on the list as having sex with a minor (but it doesn't say she was 16, just says minor).  If they are going to list this stuff, they should at least list the exact details of how old the involved people were because if I saw on the list "18 yr old male had sex with 16yr old girlfriend and mother pressed charges", I wouldn't think the same bad thoughts as I would now when I see "male had sex with minor".  The second makes people assume it was a little kid, when it might not be all the time.

How about listing other things if we are worried about who's living by us?

• List of criminals who did home invasions
• List of criminals who somehow or other were involved in a murder
• List of criminals involved in identity theft or other fraud that resulted in people losing their money

I just never understood why this list is made but others are not.  If we are really looking to protect people, then why not have all criminals listed?

---

Actually, I just received an email that gave a website that listed people with any criminal background.  Not just sex offenders.  I'll have to see if I still have the email.  I may have deleted it.  But this site showed armed robbery, drug posession, etc.etc.  Interesting.   It's sad how many people are walking around with a criminal record.

Cool let me know if you find it.

It is sad that so many people have a record, even if it's minor, even if they stole a candy bar when they were 18!  It still seems like so many people have had issues with the law nowadays.  Probably has a lot to do with the culture of the internet if you ask me - ppl find things more acceptable now that they see them online at the click of a button.