Has someone taken the time to show you how to access the locations of the sex offenders in your neighborhood? If they have, what are you doing with that information? If not, click on the link at the bottom of this article.

If all you are doing is looking up the offenders now and again then you're just about wasting your time. Here are the CSI tips for using this information effectively:

1. Make sure the site your on has the ability to show you a map location of where offenders in your area live. The ability to know where these offenders live is good, but being able to see where they live is more effective. The most effective way is to link the addresses of those close to you (within a mile) to Google Earth or enable Google Street View in order to SEE what the house of the offender looks like.

2. Make sure you show your kids/loved ones the pictures of the offenders I know this sounds extreme, maybe even radical, but I promise you sex offenders take extreme measures sometimes to get at your kids. Showing your kids these pictures and labeling them as "Dangers" is what we suggest for kids under 12. Showing your kids over 12 these pictures, and letting them know the reason why we believe is necessary. We are not trying to scare you, or your children, just inform them. If we inform our loved ones what these people look like, then we can also include an action plan that dictates they NEVER talk to these individuals. Include also a, "Run and tell an adult you know immediately" and/or "Call 911 when you are away from them" if they are approached or asked to do something.

3. Make sure you know the crimes Don't believe the, "You can't trust those Sex Offender Websites because I know this guy on the Sex Offender Web page, and the only reason he's there is because he urinated outside a bar". People are on the S.O. Web pages most likely because they are guilty of committing a sex crime. Now, those crimes may not all be against children, but the idea that a person could be tagged a sex offender, when all they did was urinate outside a bar, is nowhere near as common as a person who committed a sexual offense against a child getting charged with reckless endangerment because of a plea deal. Doesn't mean it's never happened, but let's not put our family at risk by buying into the "hype".

4. Make sure the source is current Make sure that your site lists when it updates its information, where it gets its information, and check it against your local police departments. Unfortunately there are a lot of websites out there that charge for this information, and then don't even provide up to date info. Your site should have this listed somewhere. We use Family Watchdog, and all of their links are updated every 60 minutes.

5. Make sure you have a way to track Keeping up with who has moved in and out of your area is too cumbersome. Your site should have the ability to notify you of this by email or text message. Remember if you have new offenders in your neighborhood don't forget to show their picture to your kids. At CSI, we do not support the idea that registered sex offenders are the cause of all abductions or sexual crimes committed against minors. What we do support are the law enforcement researched statistics that claim:

6. Sex offenders target those within a 5 mile radius of their home

7. There is no current complete rehab program for sex offenders

8. Sex offenders that are registered end up offending again (of those caught) 50% of the time.

This article is just one of the many services we provide for all of our members. The authors of these articles are all experts in providing and enhancing the safety of children and families throughout the Nation. For additional information about this revolutionary program and all it provides, and/or to subscribe your family, your church, or your school to the CSI Family Safety Program please visit our website at www.childsafetyincorporated.com