The idea
As far as I am aware there is no Sarah's Law in this country nor an equivelent to the US "Megan's Law".In this country[as far as I know] there is no right for a parent to know if someone living locally is likely to take/kill/abuse their children. Of course "After the Event" it often comes to light that someone who was a very real threat was in the vacinity,and was known by the Police to be in the area,was known by the probation service to be out on licence or was known to be living at a bail hostel. But the "Law" prevented any of these agencies from divulging this information prior the "Event".How then is the discovery of such information possible "After the Event" by journaliststs, TV and Media? Clearly the silencing gag imposed by the "Law" is insuficient when wieghed against the tragic and futile death of a child. Each time the scenario repeats itself,the Public throw stones of recrimination at the police,Probation service and the law and the media sells more copy but nothing changes. After the indident closes every parent waits with dread until the next time.
Is it not time to "break the circle"?
Obviously the Law as it stands has to be respected but there are "Cetres of Risk" that are targets for would be killers/abductionists or abusers.Nurseries,Schools and wherever the potential victims are to be found.There are probably thousands of such places but not all would carry the same imminent risks as there are less potential perpetrators than there are targets.
A warning could be given on a traffic light basis to such targets say "Red" for clear and present danger,"Orange" for possible danger and "Green" for low risk. The system could be managed by local police stations who if they are constantly informed of the movements of perpetrators should know who is on their patch.Of course this would mean that co-operation between the probation services and police forces would have to be maintained.
The warnings would actually name an individual but would indicate the threat posed. The Police on the other hand would know exactly where a threat is likely to originate and would be able to manage and monitor the likely threat. This offends no law that I know off,protects the individual and warns the potential target sites which are normally under supervision of certificated staff.
Its not Sarah's Law,its not Megan's Law but it could save the life of the next victim. Too often we find out too late that there was a threat but the authorities were not allowed to tell anyone about it. If only,must be among the first words of the one who discovers the body.We need to know…………..how much and when needs to be determined.
GHOSTWRITER
Why is it important?
Too many children die because their "Minders" did not know the risks,when they do find out it is only to find that someone "Was not allowed to tell them"