Sexual offender problem should be given top priority

By Tim Fox

As an attorney, I know that statistics aren't always the whole story and that often there aren't simple solutions. Unfortunately, the statistics about sexual predators in Montana do tell an alarming story: there are more than 4,000 sexual predators living in Montana, putting Montana second in the nation for offenders per capita, according to the nonprofit group Family Watchdog. 

The statistics go further: according to the Center for Sex Offender Management, 13% of child molesters and 19% of rapists commit another sexual offense within five years and another 10% of child molesters and 22% of rapists commit a nonsexual violent offense within five years.

This is a serious problem-but it's not being taken seriously enough by our current Attorney General. 

The law requires that photos and other significant information be posted on the Montana Sexual Offender Registry; however this requirement has been neither met nor enforced for over 60% of the individuals on the registry.
Ironically, many of the missing photos can be easily found on another state web site administered by the Department of Corrections.  The photos exist-it just hasn't been a priority for this Attorney General to get them posted.

But fixing the Sex Offender Registry is only the first step.  I've devised a comprehensive plan that includes affordable and efficient measures that will help families protect their kids and send a clear, strong message to sex predators that they will not be tolerated in Montana.

First and foremost, Montana families need to be aware of who these individuals are, what they look like, and where they are living.  Photos are truly a parent's best tool in identifying and protecting their children.
Another addition I'll implement will be to require inclusion of all email addresses and screen names used by offenders.

Secondly, parents should be able to perform an online search to pinpoint where offenders are living in their neighborhood and communities.  I'll add this simple, user-friendly search function to the registry; and I'll also add a function that will allow parents to receive an email alert whenever there is an addition or change to the registry for their area.

All this information is of little importance, however, if people can't find it. The registry needs to be more widely accessible to the public with links to it on the homepage of every state and local government website.  Parents, teachers, and community leaders may not be aware of the current location of the list on the Department of Justice's website-every city, county, and state agency website should have a link visible on their homepage. 

To round out my play, I'll partner with law enforcement, media, and Montana businesses to actively disseminate information about the Sexual Offender Registry.  With these types of crimes, the best prevention is through information.  We all need to work together to protect our kids.

Sexual offenders need to be at the top of the priority list for Montana's Justice Department. I've identified some simple, yet effective, measures I will take if I'm elected Attorney General.  Let me be clear-fighting sex predators is at the top of my priority list.

Tim Fox is a Republican Candidate for Attorney General.  He has been endorsed by law enforcement and family advocacy groups as the best choice to head the Montana Department of Justice.  Tim is a practicing attorney in Helena.

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