Sex Offenders and Schools

[Concerned Mom]

I am curious to know, and haven't found any information about, What are the laws in regards to Known sex offenders living near a school? My Communityin Tarrant County, TX, just built a brand new Elementary school smack dab in the middle of a housing area. Little did I know, and it was brought to my attention, that there are at least half a dozen Known sex offenders, registered, within 3 blocks of this new school. I have asked everyone I know, INCLUDING the ISD about this, and have gotten no concrete information. The Police tell me to ask a Lawyer, the lawyers ask for Money and Senators, well..we won't go there. Any information that is CONCRETE will be appreciated.

[Island_Girl]

These people paid for their discretions and they've been put back on the street legally, without money you won't be able to do anything. The sex offenders registry is available online for everyone to see and you can also get it at your local agencies. Surprisingly, you aren't going to find many areas that DON'T have a sex offender living within walking distance from your home, work, or schools. You can press suit against them but that's where the money comes in. There is no simple solution, I'm a mother and I hate it too. But, there are tons of offenders that haven't been discovered, I would be more concerned about them. The best thing to do is know where your children are and be guarding of them.

[Charlie]

Concerned Mom--It does not surprise me that cops and/or the school system would refer you to a lawyer about this question. (We live in a very litigous society these days!) I am a TX cop myself but I don't know everything there is to know under the sun. Your best answer would be from someone else in the legal profession.

However, in my humble opinion and my best educated GUESS is this: I personally don't recall seeing/reading anything that specifically addressed that a sex offender in TX is prohibited from residing in certain areas that are within a specified distance from a public school. Now keep in mind there might be something on the books that specifically addresses this issue and I MAY NOT be currently aware of it! Hence, if you want to know a definite answer, I would highly recommend that you contact some else in the legal profession, such as a lawyer, for a more definite answer.

Aside from that, the reality is ma'am that there are sex offenders, (as well as other types of offenders such as murderers, dope dealers, robbers, burglars, etc.) all over the place and in a variety of communities. Everyone has to live somewhere and you likely have other types of criminals living in your community as well (and you don't even know it!). But obviously, everyone doesn't walk around wearing signs stating "what" they are in reference to this issue. If the sex offender is registered, adhering to the terms of their parole/probation and are not engaging in criminal activity in your community, I have doubts there is anything legal you (or anyone else) can do to them.

There is no magic formula or words that I can think of that will ease your mind. I can only encourage you to be more alert in your community if this is a concern. I too have a young child and I too would also find it unnerving to know if there was a sex offender in our midst in our neighborhood too. I would educate myself from the local PD web sites or the Texas DPS web site about this individual. I would also do whatever I could to watch and educate my child. Consider getting involved with your local crime watch groups too! Perhaps you ought to consider contacting your local PD and talk with the crime prevention officer about this issue as well. They may be able to provide you with some information about this issue as well.

I hope in some way this helps.

Charlie

[Concerned Mom]

I thank you for this information. My son is 6, and doesn't seem to understand. I have a buddy system with a neighbor, regarding drop off/pick ups, and we always stay outside when the kids play. I appreciate all your responses. Thank you.

[Island_Girl]

Well said Charlie!!! I would've said just as much but I am not permitted since I am sentenced to the community service of my children and spouse who don't seem to think that I need time for myself. LMAO. I loved your response though....I could see how it would be comforting to someone who is uncertain in this situation. Thanks!!! Now I'm going to lock myself in the bathroom.