Jmp,

As you know I am an ex-homicide detective and have investigated numerous “sex” type cases. Things I do not think have changed that much, so I will make a few comments which you can take or leave:

1. Please do research the specifics of the crime(s) the individual was convicted of. You can be put on “the list” for just mooning someone at a fraternity, which hardly qualifies one as a sex offender (but it has been done). Errors on-line are numerous. Get a copy of the case file, if you can—not just the initial report.

2. Remember that the offender (if off probation/parole) has served his time. He is no longer considered a criminal. As difficult as it might be treat him like a neighbor. The Good Samaritan comes to mind here. He is lying in the ditch half dead and you have the ointment, etc. Remember the status of the two races involved in the story—they were enemies.

3. Take precautions with your own children. Talk to them and inform them “in part” of the situation (they don’t need all the details). Don’t be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

4. Earnestly Pray for his conversion... and move in this direction with your actions.

Moreover, JUST because you might not have a “registered” sex offender that lives in your neighborhood does not mean your children are not at risk. Many child predators travel to different zip codes (they use their respective jobs, church, parks, swimming areas, kid’s schools, other children type associations to come in contact with kids). Don’t forget the Internet—it is a haven of the predators. I arrested one that picked his victims from sports photos in small town newspapers (over 200 counts of molesting numerous children over the telephone—yes, unfortunately it can be done). Don't get into the mode of "false security." Depend on God's mercy and grace.

If I had to guess YOU have more then one child predator in your region. He may not be registered, but he or she is there. FBI stats reveal that the typical child sex offender molests an average of 117 children, most of who do not report the offense. About 95% of victims “know” their perpetrators. You can contol who your child knows.

Though one should not attempt to “profile” a Pedophile (don’t exclude anyone, they can be rich, poor, educated, uneducated, etc) there are “some” common factors: (1) male over 30 years of age, (2) single or at least few friends in his age group, (3) if married, the relationship is more "companionship," (4) often vague about time gaps in employment (thus possible past incarceration), (5) they like child-like activities, (6) they often prefer children close to puberty, (13 and under is the rule) (7) they often have a specific age of child they target (important when you find out the specifics of the one in your neighborhood), (8) they work around children, (9) have a collection of pornography, (10) then there is the child himself/herself as the pedophile often seeks out shy, handicapped, withdrawn children, or those from troubled or under privileged homes (single parent). He then showers them with attention, gifts, etc. There are several other factors, but these are the most common. However, remember everyone is a sinner so don't profile one sin above another--most of the above profile could very well fit a drug addict or any other "average" sinner, as well ...

What can you do to help. Neighborhood watch groups, if properly administrated work.. Watch the entire neighborhood, not just the perp (there is a good story here, but I will spare you). Keep hand written records (more admissible in court then typed or computer generated). Take digital photos (keep them unaltered, etc.). These measures are preventative and informative in nature, but still offer no guarantees. Moreover, these groups "normally" break down after a while ... As far as getting them out of your county, uhmm is this what Christ did with sinners?

Most of all don’t let your child become part of the profile, “love them”—this is your best defense. Yes, teach them to scream at the top of their lungs and to kick ‘em (well punch them) where it hurts, and to run, run, run, but love and train your children and hopefully they will not seek false affection elsewhere. Thus, be proactive both spiritually and with your child ...

Hope this helps.