Posts: 798
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Joined: May 2005
My problem with these registries is that I don't know that they accomplish anything. If you are worried about your kids, the vast majority of molestation occurs by someone in the immediate or extended family or someone known to the family. All these people served their time. Rather than just post where they're living, it would make more sense to improve programs which treat them while in prison on simply increase penalties to keep them in prison longer. There is far too much emphasis on penalizing criminals and not rehabilitating them. So of course they get released and are the same or more violent and generally commit crimes again. Providing a list of where they now live just gives the illusion of safety. I think there are more important things to worry about, and I agree, I'd rather know where a violent criminal lives.
Posts: 2,149
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Joined: Feb 2006
How often do they update that website? There is a guy shown as living on our road in HPP who hasn't lived at that location in almost a year.
Robguz makes some good points about the illusion of safety provided by these listings and the "inside" nature of a large portion of molestation and abuse cases. Smart parents teach their kids about appropriate and inappropriate touching as soon as they are able to understand the concept.
In some states, felons convicted of serious sexual abuse are kept in mental health facilities beyond their prison sentences when they are assessed to be a continuing danger. There are still constitutional appeals pending for some of these laws, but most pass muster on the basis of mental health commitment to treatment as a "danger to self or others." Having worked in mental health for a number of years, I can tell you all that predicting a patient's behavior when released into an open social environment is a crapshoot, no matter what the leading experts say. They are just as likely to get it wrong one way as the other.
Cheers,
Jerry
Posts: 773
Threads: 83
Joined: Dec 2005
quote:
What about scarlet letters? You could brand them on the foreheads of anyone who has been convicted of specified crimes.
Or we could deem a crime paid for after the criminal has served his or her sentence and a period of probation or parole, and just get to know our neighbors better, and watch our children better (not let them drive cars or go into the homes of people we do not trust alone). You know -- personal responsibility.
• Every report I have read about sex offenders leads me to believe that the vast majority of them can’t be cured. Therefore, as part of their sentencing they are required to follow the registration format.
• Moreover, you speak of personal responsibility. Think about our children that we need to protect from these predators it’s not all about the adults. How much personal responsibility does a 6 year old have?
• A nice red X above one eye works for me.
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it cost when it’s free...now here come the taxes.....
Posts: 645
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Joined: Jul 2003
let's just chop off a hand..................
seriously, the term sexual offender combines many crimes, i'd like to see pedophiles in their own catagory
Posts: 1,051
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Joined: Apr 2006
When you use the word hand here are you using a euphemism?
quote:
let's just chop off a hand..................
___________________________
Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times".
Posts: 195
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Joined: Aug 2007
quote:
seriously, the term sexual offender combines many crimes...
I agree. Did you know that if you got caught making whoopee to your spouse in the back seat of your car in a public area, you could be arrested for indecent exposure? If found guilty you would have to register as a sex offender.
"What? Me Worry?" - Alfred E. Nueman
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