Did you know according to statistics from the Department of Justice and Watch Systems LLC, an estimated 80% of all addresses have at least one sex offender within one mile? Forty-five percent of sexual assault victims are under twelve, and 75% of victims know their attacker. Over half of all sexual assaults occur within one mile of the victim’s home. Did you know currently there are 345 registered sex offenders in Ouachita Parish?
So before your children Trick-or-Treat this Halloween, Sheriff Russell wants parents to have real-time access to sex offenders in your area.
“We do our best to ensure sex offenders live where they tell us, but it is up to our citizens to utilize these online tools to see who the registered sex offenders are and where they are living,” says Sheriff Russell.
It is critical that you “Know Before You Go” this Halloween. Sheriff Russell outlines steps parents can take to help keep their children safe from sex offenders not only during Trick or Treat activities but throughout the year.
- Visit our website, opso.net or download the OPSO Mobile App, Ouachita Sheriff, and click the Sex Offender tab in the menu box to search for sex offenders in your neighborhood or the area you are visiting by entering an address. A map will show the locations of registered sex offenders in the area. You can also register on the site to be notified if a registered offender moves into your neighborhood.
- Subscribe to the OffenderWatch Safe Virtual Neighborhood mobile device App. This App is partnered with law enforcement and gives parents the ability to be notified if their child is contacted by registered sex offenders through social media platforms. It also alerts parents if a registered offender moves into the neighborhood. The app offers a free version and a more detailed version available by subscription.
Click the link below for complete details about the Offender Watch App, including subscription instructions:
https://offenderwatch.com/offenderwatch-family-safety-app/
With these resources available, Sheriff Russell says parents can feel confident that they are armed with the necessary tools to keep their children safe this Halloween.
If you have any questions, or need further help regarding the sex offender registry, contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Investigative Division at@ 318-329-1200.
