Watch lists
I have discussed Indiana’s implementation of its sexual offender’s list in the past. Putting convicted sex offenders and their addresses on lists permits citizens to protect themselves from potential predators, say proponents. The offenders and their families often complain that the lists provide a permanent, or at least long term burden, long after they have “paid their debt to society” by doing their time, and that being on the list keeps them from gaining regular employment and living normal lives after they have been “reformed” in prison. Further, being on the list opens them up to harassment and hostility from their fellow citizens.
My issue with the list is they work to paint folks with a pretty broad brush, making it hard to determine whether the people on the list pose a true threat to the public. Most of us would consider a 55 year old who molested a young child to be a much more serious threat than a 21 year old who had a physical relationship with his 15 year old girlfriend. However, both would end up on the sexual offender’s list under current law.
Well, those who desire the protection the list promises will soon have a good way to stay on top of local threats: Steve Carter, Indiana’s Attorney General (running for reelection in November) just announced that citizens will soon be able to receive email notifications when new offenders are added to the list based on their particular geographic specifications. Read more here.
