Notification Laws

“Laws With Raw Edges” (editorial, Jan. 22) was insightful and informative; however, it missed a key point. Community notification about sex offenders is necessary because the odds of a repeat offense are too high when the stakes are no less than the safety of children.

While skeptics do not feel this law is necessary, or that it may trample on civil liberties, public notification laws like we now have in California recognize that parents have a right to safeguard their children from abuse. These laws can be effectively implemented without promoting vigilante activities. In fact, the law provides additional punishments for persons who use disclosed information about a registered sex offender to commit acts of vigilantism.

Bottom line: Too many children are being victimized by child molesters. Providing a safe environment for our children is our most important responsibility.

JAYNE MURPHY SHAPIRO

President, SAFE

Granada Hills