MO- Critics: Sex Offender Registries Don't Protect Anybody

5-16-2008 Missouri:

Many parents have checked online sex offender registries to see who's living nearby. Some people who deal with sex crimes say the list is nothing more than a false sense of security. Critics say scrolling down a list won't keep your kids any safer. First Assistant Prosecutor Jill Patterson says “The reality is that's an insufficient check." Licensed Professional counselor Kris Hamilton, who counsels offenders, says, "I'm not sure it protects anybody it gives a false sense of security." Chief Deputy Jim Arnott says, "It does have some problems with it.”

Since their inception in 1994, sex offender registries have been touted as a great tool for parents to protect their children. Allison Cash has two reasons to scroll through the list for peace of mind. Cash says, "It gives me limited comfort but some." Critics say your click for comfort relies on a criminal’s honesty. Like many counties, Greene County is required to have a registry but receives no federal or state funding to make sure offenders are living where they say they are.

Lisa Simmons has met almost every sex offender in Greene County. She's the one woman working an assembly line of offenders; entering fingerprints, photos and info on every sex offender every three to six months. No one double checks her work on a regular basis. Simmons says, “Unless I have suspicions I take their word for it."

Patterson says the lists' accuracy isn’t the only problem. Patterson says, “It shouldn’t be focused on where they live but what they’re doing, what is their conduct and what is their behavior." Sex Offender Kris Hamilton helps sex offenders find what triggered their offense and how to avoid it. Hamilton says many laws are knee jerk reactions to the public's fear. She says, "It's a horrible thing that does happen but registries just give politicians a lot of steam because it sounds good.”

Many who work closely with sex offenders say supervision and treatment can do more than an unchecked list. Hamilton says, "If they would let probation officers spend time getting to know their clients and going out and checking, that would make the community safer." Greene County Chief Deputy Jim Arnott says without the registry there could be more victims. Arnott says, "People need to be aware. I think it’s as good as it can be with the resources and laws we have." Cash says, "I think it's a loop hole in it but still it’s something extra. It’s an additional tool."

Registry skeptics say law makers should make sure their legislation fits the goal of "no more victims. Hamilton says, "That has to be our goal."

Critics would like to see the focus and funding go toward probation and parole, rather than the registry. Right now they say because of tight budgets probation officers spend most of their time doing clerical work rather than checking on sex offenders’ behavior and whereabouts. ..more.. by KSPR News