Assemblyman Fitzpatrick discusses the state’s Sex Offender Registry and civil confinement with the father and grandparents of Carlie Brucia, an 11-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered by a released sex offender in Florida. The assemblyman talked with the family to better understand and appreciate the need for stronger, more comprehensive laws to protect children from sexual predators.

The Sex Offender Registry can identify registered sex offenders living in your neighborhood. Visit the state Division of Criminal Justice Services’ Web site at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us or call toll-free (800) 262-3257 for more information on:

• Searching the Level 3 subdirectory
• Sex offender statistics
• Legal issues
• Offender responsibilities
• National registry search

Computers and the Internet are wonderful tools that open the door to a wealth of information. But with technological advancements come advancements in crime. Parents and Internet users must be aware that children are able to access the world - and the world can access children.

Authorities nationwide are aware that pedophiles and criminals use the Internet to engage children and adolescents in sexually oriented conversations and lure them to meet without their parents’ knowledge.

These Web sites provide useful information to protect families from online predators and criminals:

www.cscic.state.ny.us/cscorner/children/
www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family.shtml