“Offender Watch” program designed to keep better track of sex offenders in South Carolina

SLED launching new program aimed at keeping better track of sex offenders in the state.  The “Offender Watch” program will allow law enforcement agencies to share information they have on sex offenders throughout South Carolina.  SLED sent us a press release with more information that you can read for yourself below…

____________________________PRESS RELEASE BELOW___________________________________

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in lead partnership with The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is pleased to announce the launch of a new, statewide web-based program designed to enhance the tracking and monitoring of registered sex offenders throughout South Carolina.
This innovative program called Offender Watch ensures that registered offenders meet law requirements and gives citizens free access to information about such offenders who live in or near their neighborhoods.
Offender Watch searches registered sex offenders listed in state and county-wide databases.
It allows law enforcement to share, streamline and enforce the sexual predator registration and monitoring process. These steps will better protect children across the state.
Director Reggie Lloyd says, “This new tool will help parents tremendously. We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and every day. We ask that parents use this system and show their children how to use the system. The information on Offender Watch will protect the youth across the state.”
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says, “Technological advancements are allowing our citizens opportunities to stay connected with tools, services and information that can make the difference between becoming the victim of a crime and staying safe.” Lott adds, “Citizen involvement is the key to making our communities safer and Offender Watch is one more tool that we can offer citizens toward this effort.“

Citizens can visit the SLED website at http://www.sled.sc.gov or http://www.sheriffalerts.com to access this valuable information.
Citizens can enter an address and the software automatically will display a map of an area which will then pinpoint offenders in a 2-mile radius of the query.
The program will then supply a color photograph of the offender along with offense details, a list of previous addresses and basic victim and arrest warrant information.
Soon, users will be able to sign up for e-mail alerts when a registered sex offender moves.
The system automatically updates offender information if there is an address change.
Additionally, by using Offender Watch, SLED has found incorrect information on thousands of offenders statewide.
This information will be forwarded to various Sheriff’s Departments and to the South Carolina Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCPPP).
Offender Watch requires sustainable funding in order to keep the program as a success.
The initiative was sponsored by Representative Joan Brady (Richland County) with direct support and cooperation of The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

Developed by Watch Systems LLC in Louisiana, the Offender Watch software is being used by more than 400 agencies in 31 states.
Of Special Note:
All 46 Sheriff’s Department’s website will be included on the main program website by the end of November.
In the meantime, citizens can research their areas by visiting SLED’s main webpage http://www.sled.sc.gov.