Am I missing something? (Roanoke, Staunton: sex offenders, crimes, living in)

[BGCTFL]

In checking the sex offender registry for the Staunton / Roanoke areas there seems to be an inordinately high number of offenders in regards to the population. Is this accurate or am I missing something?

[Rabrrita]

Sex Offender Registry are based on voodoo reporting. In West Virginia, a person can drop off the sex offender list in as little as 10 years. In Virginia, it's a life listing. Every sate has their own set of regulations on what is considered a sex offense and for how long a person must stay on. In one state you could be peeing in the bushes and if a child saw your parts, you're listed as a sex offender for 25 years, but, in another state that wouldn't even be a sex offense. So when you look at these registry remember that it's not a reflection of sex offenders living next to you, it's a reflection only of those who are required to register under that state's laws. In a strange way, Virginia's requirements means transparency is much greater and not hidden to make the state or a region look good. Wouldn't you rather know versus living in a state where very few sex crimes actually require registration?

[BGCTFL]

Of course, knowledge of one's area is desirable. And, your point regarding the threshold for inclusion on such sex offender lists is well taken. However, most desirable is the absence or minimal frequency of such individuals. Would it matter greatly if a family member were to become a victim of a predator not knowing they lived in the area or, if knowing these creatures were living in town, one took a chance?