Protecting Children Against Sex Offenders (P'CASO)

In April 2005, the Virginia State Police reported that there were over 13,400 registered sex offenders registered in Virginia. Over 10,800 were classified as violent sex offenders.

Cleary we have a growing state-wide problem.
It is estimated that there are over 1500 convicted sex offenders in the Northern Virginia region. Over 400 are registered in Fairfax County alone. Research with the Fairfax Office of Probation and Parole, which has responsibility for monitoring over 150 of these offenders, and the Virginia State Police, who have responsibility for monitoring over 250 of these offenders, reveals that more intense monitoring is required to ensure 100% accountability.

Furthermore, the Virginia State Police have stated that they are not confident that the data in the Virginia Sex Offender registry is 100% valid. According to statements made by Kimberly J. Hamilton, executive director of the Virginia State Crime Commission, the
'Virginia's [sex offender] registry is not a useful tool for the public. It can scare people unnecessarily and not inform them when it should. This is a legitimate problem that someone needs to address.'

Continued support for the P'CASO program will allow the Fairfax County Police
Department to work hand in hand with the Virginia State Police, the Fairfax County Office of Probation and Parole and the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department for more
intense monitoring of sex offenders currently registered and those that choose to relocate here from other states across the country. Additionally, support of P'CASO will make possible the continued delivery of ongoing educational programs in Fairfax County, a community of over one million residents. P'CASO educational programs provide information to citizens on the value of Sex Offender Registries, sexual assault defense instruction for both women and children, Internet Safety Training, the Value of Background Checks, Home Security Measures, Community Safety Awareness, and
Safety Resources and Tools. Programs are presented in 'Adults Only', 'Kids Only' and
general safety education formats, and are offered in a variety of community venues,
including the workplace.

In addition to sex offender monitoring efforts sopported through P'CASO, the FCPD's will increase its efforts to address child exploitation crimes. Currently, within the Child Exploitation Section, there is only one detective dedicated to internet crimes against children. NCA/NCF