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Public notifications serve communities well

Fairmont police and the Minnesota Department of Corrections held a community notification meeting in Fairmont this week to talk about a sexual predator relocating to town. We believe these gatherings have value to the public, in ways obvious and ways less so.

First and foremost, people living in town and near the sex offender’s new address gain some basic awareness about the predator’s presence and past crimes. Being aware provides the ability to be wary, as each person finds appropriate. Knowing an offender’s criminal history and victim profile is important in the same way.

On another level, the public learns that they must treat their new neighbor with respect, in action, anyway, if not in thought. It is not OK to harass or harm an offender, because it is a crime and because it will hurt the public’s ability to keep getting community notifications.

The public also learns that sex offenders are not prohibited from living near parks, schools or daycares. And that while notice of a nearby sex offender can be alarming, people learn that sex offenders usually choose to victimize those they know, rather than seeking new victims.

Finally, we believe community notification serves a purpose it is not really meant to, namely putting a spotlight on the sexual predator, who may – if it’s possible – feel ashamed and feel a bit hounded, thus keeping them from feeling free to act maliciously in their neighborhood or town. That spotlight burns brightly, fueled by a lot of public outrage, disgust and distrust. It’s difficult to believe it may not serve as some small deterrent.

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