Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Offenders
This page was developed after many inquires were made of our employees about sex
offenders in our community. We hope that this will answer most of your questions,
address your concerns, better educate you about these offenders, and provide some
prevention tips.
Sheriff Timothy A. Swanson
List of Questions
You may scroll down this page for every question and corresponding answer
or click on a specific question
Why is the offender living in my neighborhood?
When is the Sheriff's Office going to move the offender from my
neighborhood?
How often do sex offenders really re-offend?
What are the different types of sex offenders?
Are you going to tell us if the offender moves out of this neighborhood, so
we do not have to worry anymore?
Why are we not told about all sex offenders?
What do I tell my children about this offender?
Now that I know a sex offender lives in my neighborhood, what should I do
differently to protect my family and myself?
Why does it matter if I give the offender a hard time?
Can I post additional copies of the neighborhood notification?
Knowing My 8 Rules For Safety (for children)
Back to Sexual Offender Main Page
Q: Why is the offender living in my neighborhood?
A: The Sheriff's Office cannot place any restrictions on where an offender lives in any
community. While you may not be happy about an offender living in your area it is
important to realize that at least you are aware of this offender. There are
countless numbers of individuals who have not been caught and continue to offend in your
community. The best defense you can have is being educated in how to protect
yourself and your family members from being victimized by anyone.
Go to list of questions
Q: When is the Sheriff's Office going to move the offender from my
neighborhood?
A: The Sheriff's Office lacks any authority in forcing an offender to move from one
location to another. The Sheriff's Office is granted the authority to give community
notification about specific offenders considered moderate or high risk to the community.
The Sheriff's Office also checks to see that all sex offenders are living where
they are registered. We also actively seek out those offenders who fail to register
or fail to make proper notification of an address change.
Go to list of questions
Q: How often do sex offenders really re-offend?
A: Studies indicate that approximately 5 % of treated sex offenders re-offend in a sexual
way. Untreated sex offenders re-offend approximately 7% in a sexual way.
Approximately 8% re-offend in a non-sexual, non-violent way and 3% re-offend in a
non-sexual, violent way, and approximately 77% have no new offenses at all.
Go to list of questions
Q: What are the different types of sex offenders?
A: In Ohio we have 3 classifications of sex offenders as set forth by the State
Legislature, they are:
- Sexually Oriented Offender, they were convicted of or plead guilty to a
sexually oriented offense and they have to register once a year for a period of 10 years
with the Sheriff's Office in the county that they reside in.
- Habitual Sex Offender, determined by the sentencing court to have
previously convicted of or plead guilty to one or more sexually oriented offenses.
They may or may not be subject to community notification, this is determined by the
court. They have to register once a year for a period of 20 years with the Sheriff's
Office.
- Sexual Predator, adjudicated by the sentencing court to be a sexual
predator relative to the sexually oriented offense in question. They are subject to
community notification for life with address verification every 90 days with the Sheriff's
Office.
All of the above classifications have to verify their address each and every time they
move. If they are subject to community notification it will be done each time they
move or they notify us that they are moving.
Go to list of questions
Q: Are you going to tell us if the offender moves out of this
neighborhood, so we do not have to worry anymore?
A: We will not be contacting the public if this offender moves from a location. We
are obligated to notify only the new neighborhood where they move, and only those sex
offenders that require community notification will be done. Offenders move on a
regular basis and it would present great difficulties in providing this notification.
To assist everyone, the Sheriff's Office posts all registered sex offenders on our
web site.
Go to list of questions
Q: Why are we not told about all sex offenders?
A: The intent of Ohio's community notification law is that you receive information that is
RELEVANT and NECESSARY to enhance your safety. Not all sex offenders pose a risk to
all residents. If the law treated all sex offenders the same, the courts could
not consider it punishment and therefore unconstitutional because the offenders have
served their time. Furthermore, knowing about every convicted sex offender does not
necessarily increase your safety. Targeting notification according to which
offenders are likely to re-offend ensures you receive constructive information.
Go to list of questions
Q: What do I tell my children about this offender?
A: Not all sex offenders offend against children. Do not tell them scary details
about the crimes. Keep them informed in general, as it may protect them from others
who would harm them. The goal is that your child is educated about being safe from
everyone, including strangers, acquaintances or family members who would victimize them.
Here are some basic do's and don'ts regarding an offender:
- Do not accept a ride from the offender
- Do not go into the home or yard of the offender
- Call 911 if your parents are not home and this offender approaches you
- Do tell your parents if this person offers you toys, money or candy.
Go to list of questions
Q: Now that I know a sex offender lives in my neighborhood, what
should I do differently to protect my family and myself?
A: Whether or not a sex offender lives in your neighborhood you need to educate yourself
and your family in safety concerns. This is a time to reinforce family safety
planning and specific concerns about this offender. Be observant, be vigilant and
aware of your surroundings. Work with your local law enforcement agency and get
involved in your Neighborhood Crime Watch program. If your block or neighborhood
does not have one, start one. Community notification was not developed to scare you.
It exists to educate you and help you make your neighborhood safer through
awareness.
Go to list of questions
Q: Why does it matter if I give the offender a hard time?
A: It is natural to be angry or fearful when we hear about a sex offender living nearby.
Even though we know that there are over 8,600 sex offenders already living among
us, it seems like the one offender we hear about has made our life very
uncomfortable. This is a defining moment for the community. If the result of
community notification is that the offenders are harassed, the courts or the
legislature could take the law away. We need this offender
law to succeed,
because if it doesn't, that means there will be another victim. Sex
offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of
harassment. If an offender is able to build a stable, crime-free life we all win.
If we lose this law, we will go back to the days of not knowing when an offender
lives near us. With this new right to know comes a new responsibility to use the
knowledge constructively.
Go to list of questions
Q: Can I post additional copies of the neighborhood notification?
A: As we have stated earlier we want the sex offender law to succeed and if you want to advise
additional neighbors or individuals, please just refer them to the Sheriff's Office or to
this web site. We do not want you to be civilly liable if anything may occur to the
offender, their family or property.
Go to list of questions
Knowing My 8 Rules For Safety (for children)
1. I always check first with my parents or the person in charge
before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know.
2. I always check first with my parents or a trusted adult before
I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know.
3. I always take a friend with me when I go places or play
outside.
4. I know my name, address, telephone number, and my parent's
names.
5. I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that
makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
6. I know that I can tell my parents or a
trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
7. It is OK to say no, and I know
that there will always be someone who can help me.
8. I am strong, smart, and have the right to be safe.
For More Information Contact:
Stark County Sheriff's Office
4500 Atlantic Blvd., N.E., Canton, Ohio 44705
Tel: (330) 430-3800
FAX: (330) 430-3844
Internet:
strkshrf@raex.com
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