What Would You Do?

[marezee]

...if a level 3 sex offender moved into your neighborhood??

We received some disturbing news last week...
a level 3 sex offender moved into the house directly across the street from ours. We are planning on getting some cameras with a live feed to a hand held unit so we can monitor the boys in the yard, but is that enough?
I normally do not allow them to be outside by themselves anyway, but what do i do if i have to go to the bathroom?
I'm sick with worry now.
And our school is just a 5 minute drive from our home.
It just makes me sick.

 

[bliz]

First, see if you can find out what kind of sexual offense this person was convicted of. Sexual offenders, like most criminals, tend to stick to one kind of offense. An offender who rapes women may an unwelcome addition to the neighborhood, but he is not a major risk for your kids.

Regardless, it never hurts to add some security to your yard and home. Personally, I'd add a dog - one that attaches to families and is very protective without being overly agressive. Plus, one of good size. A dog is better protection than a lot of other options, inside and out of the house. A dog with a great growl who will obey commands causes a whole lot of people to think twice.
Plus, they are a nice addition to the family.

 

[clycleader]

Level three offenders are the most likely to re-offend. UGH. I previously worked as a probation officer (for juveniles) and according to statistics the level threes are the worst. Sorry. There's a website it lists the offenders and their offense. It will include lots of helpful information. I'd bring my kid/kids into the house if Ihave to come inside. Here's the website...
http://www.familywatchdog.us/

 

[marezee]

I do not want a dog, although that would be a deterent.

Thanks for the website cycleader.

http://www.familywatchdog.us <staff edit>

It states he had sexual contact with a child...it doesn't say what age or gender.
very scarey!

 

[clycleader]

Here's another info site that I have used to answer some of my questions before. It's out of Wash. State, but gives a bit of info on the levels of offenders.
http://ml.waspc.org/FAQ.aspx#Level3

 

[clycleader]

I agree. Very scary!So sorry that you have to deal with that kind of stress. Being a parent is hard enough without other frightening people in the area.
At least you know what he looks like. Warn your kids about the stranger danger stuff if you haven't already.
I saw on Am most wanted one time a woman who went around posting pictures, discriptions etc of the guy all around the neighboorhood. At schools and everything. In a way, it was overboard, but in another way, it helps inform parents so that it can't happen to another child.

 

[TexasSky]

...if a level 3 sex offender moved into your neighborhood??

We received some disturbing news last week...
a level 3 sex offender moved into the house directly across the street from ours. We are planning on getting some cameras with a live feed to a hand held unit so we can monitor the boys in the yard, but is that enough?
I normally do not allow them to be outside by themselves anyway, but what do i do if i have to go to the bathroom?
I'm sick with worry now.
And our school is just a 5 minute drive from our home.
It just makes me sick.

Is it legal to be that close to the school?
In our city zoning laws prohibit them from living so close to schools or churches.

 

[TexasSky]

Double post.

 

[marezee]

I agree. Very scary!So sorry that you have to deal with that kind of stress. Being a parent is hard enough without other frightening people in the area.
At least you know what he looks like. Warn your kids about the stranger danger stuff if you haven't already.
I saw on Am most wanted one time a woman who went around posting pictures, discriptions etc of the guy all around the neighboorhood. At schools and everything. In a way, it was overboard, but in another way, it helps inform parents so that it can't happen to another child.

I haven't really talked to the boys about this yet.
They know not to go with strangers though.
We got this info from our school...they send out mailings when they are notified by the police, and post pictures in their lobby as well.
I am not sure about the law and where these people can and cannot live. Evidentally he can live there because he is. And the woman he is living with gave up her children for him. Child protective services took them out of the house and sent them to live with their father.

 

[Birbitt]

I do not have any advice for you on this matter as I don't even know what I would do if this happened near us except for what I already do....so I can't help you there but we will pray for you family to stay safe and that God will give you the wisdom you need in this situation.

 

[Birbitt]

I do not have any advice for you on this matter as I don't even know what I would do if this happened near us except for what I already do....so I can't help you there but we will pray for you family to stay safe and that God will give you the wisdom you need in this situation.

 

[TexasSky]

What is a "level 3"?

 

[marezee]

I do not have any advice for you on this matter as I don't even know what I would do if this happened near us except for what I already do....so I can't help you there but we will pray for you family to stay safe and that God will give you the wisdom you need in this situation.

Thank you!!

 

[marezee]

I do not have any advice for you on this matter as I don't even know what I would do if this happened near us except for what I already do....so I can't help you there but we will pray for you family to stay safe and that God will give you the wisdom you need in this situation.

thank you!

 

[marezee]

we talked to our boys about this man.
i don't think they really understand though.
we told them that he was a "bad man," and that he would hurt them.
I also told them that we would not leave them alone in the house or the yard.
anyway, last night Nick (our 5yr old) said he was afraid that the bad man would get him.
I felt terrible that i instilled fear in Nick.
I just told him to pray to Jesus for protection.
He said "God please don't let that bad man get me. Amen."
I think that covers it!

 

[MyaShane]

He said "God please don't let that bad man get me. Amen."

Aw Marzee that would just break my heart, too! You were doing what you thought was best for them though! Keeping them safe is the most important thing in this and I'm not sure how you could have approached the subject with your boys without instilling some fear in them. for your boys' safety!

 

[marezee]

Aw Marzee that would just break my heart, too! You were doing what you thought was best for them though! Keeping them safe is the most important thing in this and I'm not sure how you could have approached the subject with your boys without instilling some fear in them. for your boys' safety!

thank you so much for the encouragement and prayers!!

 

[FaithLoveHope9]

Praying for you! This is very scary... Too close for comfort.

 

[Alexus]

I would have told my children too. I think being scared is awful but it is better then what could happen if they were lured by him into his house.

I wouldn't let my children play in the front yard at all. Even if I was there. I would be worried he could be videotaping them as they play or fantasizing etc through his curtains. I am a very paranoid person.

I think it is disgusting that he is allowed to be there! I hope and pray that he is only there for a very short amount of time.

 

[clycleader]

I think you did the right thing too. It's better (I think) to have the boys be a bit afraid rather than not knowing about him.