LISBON — With about 158 registered sex offenders living in Columbiana County, the county sheriff’s office is reminding residents they can check for the registered addresses online so children can avoid those houses while trick-or-treating.
“We do the best we can in making sure sex offenders live where they tell us, so it is crucial that our citizens visit our website to see who the registered sex offenders are and where they are living,” said Chief Deputy Kip Dowling, adding he encourages county citizens to check any addresses where they or their family spend time. “The mapping and address feature found on the website pinpoints exactly where the offender lives.”
There are many other beneficial tools online, including the opportunity to sign up for free automated e-mail notifications informing if an offender moves into their neighborhood or around an address they choose.
“If you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, but will be in a family or friend’s neighborhood, register their address beforehand, so you will know which houses to avoid,” Dowling said.
The alerts are in real-time, sent out via an e-mail as soon as a new offender has registered with the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office.
To search the website and sign up for the e-mail alerts on the sheriff’s website visit www.colcountysheriff.com and follow the link on the left hand side listed as sex offenders.
Dowling said he encourages everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween and remember that knowledge is power and knowing where registered sex offenders reside can help citizens make safer decisions while trick-or-treating.
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“Salem.” How apt!
How about a useful list for a change like convicted drunk drivers?
Evil sheriffs department… total trash… should be shut down !