To Catch A Predator

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In order to create a safer environment for the youth of Augusta County, Virginia, the Parks and Recreation Department offered an information session about sexual predators entitled, “To Catch a Predator.” This program informed parents, teachers, coaches and the general public about the tools we can use to protect our children from sexual predators. Professionals from the Virginia State Police, Child Protective Services and Parole Services gave presentations about their general work, what they experience day-to-day and how attendees can protect their children and those who they supervise. Attendees learned how to use the Virginia Sex Offender Registry to track offenders, were educated about paroled sex offenders and certain parole violations and learned about behavioral warning signs of sexual abuse in children. Attendees took home valuable information on how to ensure that their children are never in a position where they can be harmed. This program was marketed directly to parents, teachers and childcare workers but was also open to anyone in the community who wanted to shield and protect area children.