Sex Offenders in Your Neighborhood

Convicted high risk sex offenders may live in your neighborhood and you don`t even know it. But technology can give you that information in the form of a website designed to provide safety for your family. By logging on to www.mapsexoffenders.com you can put the power of information at your fingertips. The site links the Arkansas Sex Offender Registry with state of the art mapping technology. In Fayetteville, KNWA found five level 3 sex offenders, those with a high risk to reoffend, living about a mile from local schools. Convicted level 3 offender Monte Porter lives about a half mile from Happy Hollow Elementary. He was convicted on first degree sexual abuse charges, or rape. For parents, the thought is unnerving. Jane, Live Near Sex Offender: "In my opinion a true sex offender will always be a sex offender. That is something that is definately in the back of your mind, its something thats a definate worry." Detective Leonard Graves monitors sex offenders for the Fayetteville Police. He says any information, like that found on the website, are tools to keep the public safe. Det. Graves: "One of the key elements to parents and children protecting themselves is education and communication. Those are essential for protecting your family, your children, and yourself. By law, level 3 sex offender cannot live within 2,000 ft. of schools and daycares. KNWA`s search found many offenders living dangerously close to that boundary. Police routinely notify the public concerning sex offenders. Fayetteville recently included detailed mailings with city water bills. They say to always double check information found on websites like www.mapsexoffenders.com with your local authorities.