State Credits Law Enforcement for Tracking Sex Offenders
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 25, 2012
Every year, the state adds upwards of 1,000 criminals to Arkansas' sex offender registry.
But while there are more sex offenders out there, some leaders say they are quite encouraged by the number, crediting aggressive action from law enforcement.
"I love my job," said Faulkner County Sgt. David Hall.
Sgt. Hall was on a mission Monday.
A KARK crew was with him as he took to the streets, looking to see if sex offenders are where they're supposed to be.
"The majority want to comply," he said.
It's not an easy job. Sgt. Hall and his team have to lay eyes on more than 150 offenders several times a year.
The sex offender registry, he says, can work to keep people safe.
"It's only as good as the people who enforce it," Sgt. Hall said.
That's why, unannounced, he rolls up and waits to see who opens the door.
In her office and in her own way, Paula Stitz also searches for sex offenders. As the head of the state's registry system, she maintains thousands of files, maps the offenders and looks for those who have simply disappeared.
"Those are the most troubling ones-the ones that law enforcement has gone out and they respond to us...that they are no longer living there," Stitz said.
But Stitz says recent numbers show a surprising turn of events.
Right now, 300 sex offenders in the state are termed "address unknown," meaning law enforcement has no idea where they were.
But that number is going down significantly from years past, despite the fact that total sex offender numbers are up.
"We're real pleased with that," she said.
One reason, Stitz says: swift action and better communication between law enforcement agencies, including cross-country help from the feds which arrived just a few years ago.
"I think a big pat on the back for the US Marshal's for being very, very active," Stitz said.
Another reason for the improved numbers, Stitz says, is better technology. Now, when a sex offender comes in to register every few months, their information is immediately uploaded to a state database. Law enforcement agents can even snap a current photo.
Back in Faulkner County, Sgt. Hall has found the one he's looking for. He checks his ID and asks critical questions.
After a search inside, a level 3 offender is allowed on with his day.
Another offender nearby was also found at home and was also in compliance with his requirements.
It's all in a days' work for Sgt. Hall.
"Makes me feel better when I know they are where they are supposed to be," Sgt. Hall said.
He says it just brings them one step closer to the ultimate goal.
"Keeping the public safe, keeping kids safe," Sgt. Hall said.
The state now has crossed about a dozen offenders off their list.
For the first time ever this year, some offenders have been removed from the registry.
It's a provision of the law, created in 1997, that allows them off the list after 15 years, with a judge's approval.
But while there are more sex offenders out there, some leaders say they are quite encouraged by the number, crediting aggressive action from law enforcement.
"I love my job," said Faulkner County Sgt. David Hall.
Sgt. Hall was on a mission Monday.
A KARK crew was with him as he took to the streets, looking to see if sex offenders are where they're supposed to be.
"The majority want to comply," he said.
It's not an easy job. Sgt. Hall and his team have to lay eyes on more than 150 offenders several times a year.
The sex offender registry, he says, can work to keep people safe.
"It's only as good as the people who enforce it," Sgt. Hall said.
That's why, unannounced, he rolls up and waits to see who opens the door.
In her office and in her own way, Paula Stitz also searches for sex offenders. As the head of the state's registry system, she maintains thousands of files, maps the offenders and looks for those who have simply disappeared.
"Those are the most troubling ones-the ones that law enforcement has gone out and they respond to us...that they are no longer living there," Stitz said.
But Stitz says recent numbers show a surprising turn of events.
Right now, 300 sex offenders in the state are termed "address unknown," meaning law enforcement has no idea where they were.
But that number is going down significantly from years past, despite the fact that total sex offender numbers are up.
"We're real pleased with that," she said.
One reason, Stitz says: swift action and better communication between law enforcement agencies, including cross-country help from the feds which arrived just a few years ago.
"I think a big pat on the back for the US Marshal's for being very, very active," Stitz said.
Another reason for the improved numbers, Stitz says, is better technology. Now, when a sex offender comes in to register every few months, their information is immediately uploaded to a state database. Law enforcement agents can even snap a current photo.
Back in Faulkner County, Sgt. Hall has found the one he's looking for. He checks his ID and asks critical questions.
After a search inside, a level 3 offender is allowed on with his day.
Another offender nearby was also found at home and was also in compliance with his requirements.
It's all in a days' work for Sgt. Hall.
"Makes me feel better when I know they are where they are supposed to be," Sgt. Hall said.
He says it just brings them one step closer to the ultimate goal.
"Keeping the public safe, keeping kids safe," Sgt. Hall said.
The state now has crossed about a dozen offenders off their list.
For the first time ever this year, some offenders have been removed from the registry.
It's a provision of the law, created in 1997, that allows them off the list after 15 years, with a judge's approval.
Comments
Paula Stitz-kin and company "love" their jobs. I guess after Stitz got disgraced from other political jobs she found one where she can abuse authority and no one will care. The registry is a fool tool and needs to be abolished.
http://youtu.be/1eb9trzuBuY
The consequences of ill-devised legislation are clear. The registry is a hit list and nothing more.
oncefallendotcom o.
September 25, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Instead of the Faulkner County Law Enforcement officials and Ms. Stitz patting themselves on the back, it would be more impressive to hear how they have researched the issues and are deciding to be smart about the [censored] offender issue. Instead of spending all this manpower on checking to see where the RSO's are, they could spend their time more wisely in finding treatment options as well as housing and jobs for those on the registry. If a person wants to commit another [censored] offense, being on the registry is not going to stop them. It is a well-researched fact that only 5 % of the RSO's are violent, dangerous people. There is a group of people in our state that is working hard to accomplish what our legislators and public officials do not find necessary in making our communities safer. ARKANSAS TIME AFTER TIME (ATAT) brings together Registered [censored] Offenders along with their family members, loved ones, and friends; professionals in the field of mental health care; legislators; the media; and the victims of [censored] crime in a unified effort to make things better for everyone. For more information, go to www. ArkansasTimeAfterTime.org
Miriam G.
September 24, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Instead of the Faulkner County Law Enforcement officials and Ms. Stitz patting themselves on the back, it would be more impressive to hear how they have researched the issues and are deciding to be smart about the [censored] offender issue. Instead of spending all this manpower on checking to see where the RSO's are, they could spend their time more wisely in finding treatment options as well as housing and jobs for those on the registry. If a person wants to commit another [censored] offense, being on the registry is not going to stop them. It is a well-researched fact that 95 % of the RSO's are violent, dangerous people. There is a group of people in our state that is working hard to accomplish what our legislators and public officials do not find necessary in making our communities safer. ARKANSAS TIME AFTER TIME (ATAT) brings together Registered [censored] Offenders along with their family members, loved ones, and friends; professionals in the field of mental health care; legislators; the media; and the victims of [censored] crime in a unified effort to make things better for everyone. For more information, go to www. ArkansasTimeAfterTime.org
Miriam G.
September 24, 2012 at 10:17 pm
The registry does not work, It only makes it harder for the SO to find a job, housing and it makes it hard on family members to have their address all over the internet. How is this saving a child when that child address is all over the internet, That child can't have their loves ones (SO) come see them at school, a ball game or a play. How about all the kids that Jerry Skindisky victimize, He was not on a Public Register, He will never be on a public register. The public Register did not save one of those kids.
Lora M.
September 24, 2012 at 8:36 pm
The registry does not work, It only makes it harder for the SO to find a job, housing and it makes it hard on family members to have their address all over the internet. How is this saving a child when that child address is all over the internet, That child can't have their loves ones (SO) come see them at school, a ball game or a play. How about all the kids that Jerry Skindisky victimize, He was not on a Public Register, He will never be on a public register. The public Register did not save one of those kids.
Lora M.
September 24, 2012 at 8:32 pm
it is a RIGHT to flee the registry and do whatever what one can do to avoid the [censored] offender registry.
Why?
Because the registry is passed and applied ex-post facto in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
The registry does not protect the community, as all civil laws MUST do.
The registry forces people to choose between their safety and/or security and following the law, or going to jail.
The registry is controlled by the legislative and executive branch who allows non-dangerous people on the list.
The registry destroy lives of offenders and offenders family without any evidence that it protects the community.
Does anyone really believe a registry like it is, will be followed.
You all are hilarious about your [censored] registry and the credibility that it lacks.
So sorry for your registry and registry laws.
Rudy R.
September 24, 2012 at 8:07 pm
