COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – What to do with sex offenders once they’ve served their time and are back in your neighborhood? Tracking them is one thing — making sure they stay employed and stay out of trouble is another.
Because of that, Commerce City is taking a new approach to keeping tabs on sex offenders. “The biggest part of these guys not re-offending – is whether or not they’re employed,” said Commerce City Police detective Christian Rasmussen. Full Article
I take offense to the moniker “these guys.” Notice how it was intentionally made to sound disparaging and ominous.
No offense to the people from Boston.
This is a really great article. It makes too much sense. When people are working and being productive members of society, they typically move forward in life. I can only hope other city and states feel the same. I truly recommend reading 7 Habits of highly effective people. Many people on this site sound reactive rather than proactive. Read the book and your views will change. Good luck
oh and by the way here is a map of all the sex offenders
I love how there is a map to see sex offenders in your area at the bottom of the page. Totally awesome, and that is how to help “these guys” get a job and keep a job.
I just can’t see how Police Departments these days could afford to hire a Police Detective to find RCs jobs. Just get rid of the public shaming registry and we won’t need help finding and keeping a job. Is he helping with finding a place for RCs to live also?
Nevertheless, here is on police professional who understands the dynamics of how the effects of registration makes it harder for both compliance and community safety, and proactively helps to alleviate much of its effects. I assume he also works with the parole officers, who should take note themselves as their job becomes much easier. It is ironic that the compliance officer is actually making his own job EASIER when this happens.
He would be an excellent guest at the next National RSOL meeting, and in fact could be invited to hold a class on how law enforcement officers in other departements can do the same. I know he would get a hearty round of applause, that’s for sure!
I wonder just how this officer helps find the registrants jobs. Does he give them a reference, that helps to counteract the results from the background check?
My probation officer always encouraged me to work, but what could she really do? She gave me the name of a place that helped convicted people find jobs with willing employers, but found out there is a hierarchy to the ex-convict population, and we are at the bottom — therefore I work for myself, which is kinda like looking for a job all the time and wondering now and again “what if.” Yet, to be honest, after being under the “system” I don’t think I could stand having a person over me that could fire me at a whim or even use my past to subordinate me. Being able to choose my job is the little bit of self respect I have left to cherish. Charting my own course, with all the responsibilities is what keeps me feeling sane, and frankly I am happy if law enforcement stays out of the way, no matter how good their intentions.
Guys, I’m rather dissapointed to hear reactive responses. I’m sure many of you have bad stories, but this is amazing news! How often to you hear about cities offering to help in this manner? If cities like OC took this approach, I imagine this could or would create a lot more positive outcomes, as opposed to creating homelessness and loss of jobs (i.e.: one man lost a port job as the beach ban was imposed). Furthermore, if you go around and click my comments, I invite that of it allows you to release some of your unhappiness. So I welcome your negativity/it won’t get you anywhere. Read the book!
These responses aren’t reactive. Rather there is quite a bit of skepticism and rightfully so. Rather than spend the money on having an officer help registrants find jobs, get rid of the registry altogether. It would be up to 100% likely that if it were abolished, no one would have trouble finding a job outside of an economic depression. RCs would be contributing to the economy far more than having the government funnel public funds toward a registry that clearly does nothing for public safety.
As for this particular program, it’s nothing more than a glorified compliance check. I would imagine that this officer would also be checking in on the employer as well. If it’s a bad day at work, who knows what the boss can say or do.
This news agency got the Statistics Completely Wrong!
Also, they are showing the CrimeReport.com map which is OUT OF DATE for all too many people.
Two full months passed since i had moved/registered, and CrimeReports STILL shows me listed at my old address and not my new one……..
20% is violent and likely to re-offend? I’m sorry, but this is a lie and it is still not helping the cause.
The only thing i’m glad to see is that there is a push to get sex offenders jobs so they can move on to become PRODUCTIVE citizens rather than being forced through forced joblessness (lack of those willing to hire) to be UNPRODUCTIVE citizens.
Well, NPS clearly must know more than anyone else. Do you live in that city? Rather than complain about this first time opportunity, people should embrace it. It’s a start. How often do Police Officers try and help people find jobs? You guys have bad attitudes! I truly welcome any and all comments. Please click negative after my honest opinion. It empowers me.
Hey fellow offenders, I’ve been reading this forum and I rather bothered. I actually live in Commerce City and the city should be commended. I’m a registered citizen and I’ve recently been givens job! I’ve been treated with respect and dignity. I’ve recently moved out on my own and lives changed drastically. You people should start being more positive. I’m now living my American Dreama Dream and we all have to start somewhere! I’ve too read the above book mentioned and it’s changed my life. Turn every obstacle into an opportunity and every negative into a positive. Life is too short!
I am glad a city wants to insure its residents are employed and contribute to the community. See what I did there? No mention of sex offenders or registrants. That’s the first step any city should take. Start treating everyone as a simple resident rather than anything else.
Secondly there is at least one city in southern California that has a department within the police that helps anyone who has previously dealt with the legal system to find work. Their initiative is not limited to any specific offenses or solely state or federal or even just one city. Rather than do everything themselves they interact with county and state funded employment development offices who offer employment finding assistance to anyone including those with records. Here’s the best part no one eligible for help from this particular police department has to show up at the police station for assistance. Instead they are directed to an employment center where the officers have contacts and those contacts start the initial process then provide direct access to any leads coming from the police. My point being there are viable models that commerce city could implement in an all inclusive manner.
Lastly if commerce city wants community contribution from its residents the city should encourage the creation of opportunities for anyone to speak up regarding their experiences and knowledge. As an extreme example say someone who raped a child was living in the city. Who better than to explain the dynamics of what occurred leading up to, during, and after the rape? Moreover if the city was concerned about another child rapist who better than a former rapist to tell anyone willing to listen what to actually look out for? Additionally any former offenders have the ability to bust myths, stereotypes, and popular opinion regarding the nature of what they did or who might also be at risk for the same behavior.
Good intentions commerce, now its time to effectively decide how to reach the goal.
Nice article. I’ve actually participated in a similar program here in Ca. Im dumbfounded by all the negative comments? Your the same people who are tired of the false reviews people have on registered citizens, but yet your quick to make judgements yourself! I’m presently employed, working on a regular basis and life is good!
NPS, no one is addressing you? Every comment you make sounds defensive! You went through the wringer? I have read your comments and make everything in your life sound wonderful? You definitely aren’t someone I want representing us! Get off this site angry person. The works doesn’t revolve around you 🙂
NPS, you don’t speak for RC’s. No one put you in charge. Get counseling. Change doesn’t occur in hours or days. It takes time. This is and has been an amazing experience to be able to work with the city and get a second chance. I’m sure a lot of people where skeptical about hiring registered citizens. After reading your comments, I wouldn’t say my view of you. Negative! As a registered citizen, I hope everyone doesn’t have your narrow minded attacking view. You don’t speak for me. Get help!!!!
I completely concur with Adam. I’m bothered by people who absolutely know nothing about this program. It is beginning to appear that no one ever makes positive comments any longer. Then, if you have different views, people are all over you. No one ever goes anywhere being negative. Lastly, why is NPS even making comments? I’m in the program!
Why am I making comments? FIRST: Because people whose comments are skeptical are misinterpreted as being negative. Two completely different forms of thought that I’m trying to make clear. No one is being negative; however if a person sees it as negative, then that is their projection of it. SECOND: It’s inadvisable to be starting off your introduction with “Hey fellow offenders.” RCs are not offenders. The correct term is registered citizens.
If you find the program great for you, then more power to you. But if others are skeptical of the program, don’t blame them for it either. But remember that the objective of this organization is to eliminate the registry; not make it easier to be an RC. We shouldn’t lose sight of that because while there may be some positive programs to help, there are far more restrictions are out there that can put you back in a cell for things that a non-RC are entitled to.
If you don’t like what I have to say, that’s fine, but there are many more RCs who do understand and/or appreciate what I have to say. And as CARSOL’s mission states, I will always show up, stand up, and speak up for my rights and the rights of my fellow RCs and that includes defending them from other RCs who misinterpret their comments on this forum.
I too agree with Adam & Steve. Nobody is talking about the registry. I think your in the incorrect dialogue. Go to general comments. We are talking about cities helping people get jobs who are on the registry! Cities have nothing to do with the registry/but enforce it. Legislators do! Your excessive and never stick or address the point. Move on/start ignoring the ignorant comments
Well stated guys. Why are people mentioning the registry? It’s very obvious nobody wants it, but why are people bashing a city for creating jobs and giving people a second chance? Grow up! It’s a beginning. Take your negativity somewhere else. It’s bad karma
You guys should be commended. It’s really nice to see people given s second chance. I just recommend ignoring people who have different views. Who wants to be unemployed? A hobos a job. This article isn’t about the registry, but rather giving people second chances and hope. I hate seeing the same person clicking negative comments time and time again. Very disturbing. Good luck guys!!!!