Sex offenders, again

Again I open the paper to read about level 3 sex offenders who are moving into our community.

Washington state’s description of a level 3 sex offender is: “These offenders pose a potential high risk to the community and are a threat to reoffend if provided the opportunity. Most have prior sex crime convictions as well as other criminal convictions. Some have predatory characteristics and may seek out victims. They may have refused or failed to complete approved treatment programs.”

How can our justice system let these individuals out into society when it knows that they are “likely to reoffend”? I recently read about one in particular who police say has been seen roaming through Riverfront Park and peeking into day cares. How could that not be a violation for a level 3 sex offender?

That these offenders can roam free in cities and victimize more people is horrifying. Perhaps, if our laws and punishments were more powerful, then we wouldn’t see such a staggering number of repeat offenders. As concerned citizens we must do what we can to have the laws changed or more innocent people will continue to be harmed by those who have harmed before.

Julie Donahue

Spokane Valley