Seneca Co. announces online Sex Offender Watch

Sheriff Jack Stenberg with the assistance of Waterloo Police Chief: Doyle Marquart and Seneca Falls Police Chief: Frederick Capozzi has launched a new program called Offender Watch. The program is an internet based, citizen friendly, easy to use, Seneca County sex offender registry. The program allows citizens to search for the presence of registered sex offenders and predators in Seneca County. Citizens may enter any address of interest to them and see a map and listing of offenders within one mile of that address. Then they may register the address to be continuously monitored by the Sheriff’s Office, Waterloo P.D. and Seneca Falls P.D. The new computer system will send to them an E-mail alerting them if an offender or predator should move within one mile of their registered address. Citizens may confidentially register as many addresses as they wish such as: homes, place of work, day cares, schools or any place that children frequent. This automatic notification service is provided free of charge. Citizens may also search for offenders by name or obtain a list of all registered sex offenders in Seneca County. If a citizen wants information on an offender they can simply click on the individual’s name and receive all information, including photos that can be legally released. This program also enables the Sheriff’s Office and the local police departments to verify that offender addresses do not violate any proximity laws around protected institutions in the county and villages such as schools, registered day cares, certain parks and other locations. Working together The Sheriff and the Police Chiefs are using this program, not only to keep citizens informed, but to enhance their ability to manage registered offenders and enforce all violations. Officers from the Sheriff’s Office and Village P.D.s are pro-actively verifying the addresses of registered offenders on a regular basis to insure compliance. Citizens are encouraged to use this free program and register for E-mail alerts. The Offender Watch home page also contains valuable information about sex offenders and how to protect our children. There is also an internet presentation available on the home page to help citizens become familiar with the program. Citizens can access the Offender Watch program by going to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office website: www.co.seneca.ny.us/res-sheriffs.php and clicking on the Sex Offender Watch link.