Hi everyone and welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. This week's Corner will talk about some of the responsibilities Law Enforcement has regarding sexual predators and sexual offenders. I know that many of you have read or seen some of the things we are responsible to maintain but I'll give you the rest this week.
First, when we are notified that a predator or offender has arrived and will be living in our county, we the Sheriff or the Chief of Police of the city where the predator/offender permanently or temporarily resides notifies the community and the public of the presence of the sexual predator/offender in a manner deemed appropriate by the Sheriff or the Chief of Police.
Also, we notify schools and day cares within a one-mile radius of where the predator/offender lives permanently or temporarily.
In regard to the information we provide to the community and the public about the predator the following items are included. The name of the sexual predator; a description of the predator including a photograph; the predators current address, including the name of the county or city if known; the circumstances of the sexual predators offense or offenses; and whether the victim of the sexual predators offense or offenses was, at the time of the offense, a minor or an adult. We are not permitted and don't release the name of any victims of the predator.
We also coordinate our efforts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Corrections. On occasion we will notify schools or other places of higher learning when a predator is enrolled when we find out about it or are informed. We also assist anyone needing information about a predator.
When a predator/offender comes into our office, we take their photograph and a set of fingerprints. We also take a DNA sample if it has not already been done. Then these are sent to FDLE. Lastly we maintain a location verification system. This simply means we make checks to verify their location or desired changes.
I'll finish sexual predator/offenders next week. I hope you have a great week. | 