This summer millions of kids will flock to parks, beaches and shopping malls – often without adult supervision.
That’s no secret to the nation’s pedophiles. According to the National Alert Registry, there are currently more than 600,000 registered sex offenders in the United States. And that only includes those that have been arrested and convicted. There is no reliable count on the total number of potential pedophiles.
Patrick V. Fiel, Sr., ADT’s public safety advisor, says this means that law enforcement, lifeguards, park and recreation staff and security officers will have to be extra alert. School security and administrators will also have to stay alert to protect children in summer school classes or daycare activities.
The various agencies should provide extra training for personnel to help them spot known sexual predators and intervene before children are taken. Video surveillance systems that many cities are installing to watch over recreational areas can also be useful in monitoring areas where younger children tend to congregate. The same is true for shopping malls and other businesses.
Fiel says parents can play a role in reminding their children to be wary of strangers and seek a trusted adult or authority figure if they feel threatened. Also, whenever possible, make sure an adult is with children as they play outside of their homes.
“Summer is a time for children to enjoy themselves. It’s up to us to do all we can to protect them from predators.”
–– PSW Staff
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS
