Sheriff's Office: Tips on Protecting Children From Sex Offenders

The below information came from a McHenry County Sheriff's Office press release. 

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents about the Illinois Sex Offender Registry and how to gather information regarding registered sex offender now that school is back in session.

The sheriff's office wants residents to know its important for students to be aware of their surroundings, whether waiting for a bus, or walking to and from school, according to a McHenry County Sheriff's Office press release.

In McHenry County, there are currently 254 registered sex offenders. The Sheriff’s Office currently has 88 sex offenders registered and regularly checks to ensure they adhere to the laws set forth by the legislature, according to the news release.

Illinois State Police requires all sex offenders to register with the police jurisdiction they reside in, to update their address and other pertinent information on a yearly or quarterly basis.

In addition to this, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office makes two unannounced visits to sex offenders' residences to make sure they are compliant. When a new sex offender registers, they are bound by boundary restrictions.

Under Public Act 95-01819, Illinois law states it is unlawful for a child sex offender to reside within 500 feet of a child care institution, child care center or any facility that provides programs that are exclusively for people under the age of 18.

The Sheriff’s Office also works with schools and child care providers, ensuring they are up to date on the registry and laws. The two links below provide maps where registered sex offenders reside:

• For McHenry County residents
  
• Statewide offenders  

The Sheriff’s Office with assistance from “Offender Watch” offers residents the ability to search areas and to sign up for e-mail alerts whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired address. More information is available on the Offender Watch web page.

The Offender Watch page offers numerous excellent safety tips for residents to learn more about personal, internet, vacation safety and more.

“We encourage parents to educate themselves about the sex offender’s registry, but more importantly, talk with your children,” Undersheriff Andrew Zinke stated. “Talk to your children about walking safely to and from school, who they can trust, where they can go if they are scared, and what to do if they are approached by a stranger.”