A MESSAGE FROM MARC

For far too long, the burden of child safety has rested on the shoulders of our children. This abdication of responsibility has led to ever-increasing numbers of children at risk of abuse, abduction and neglect. If we are to truly effect the safety of children, we must adopt a national policy that addresses this issue from the President's cabinet to the family kitchen. By prioritizing legislative, community and family efforts, we can offer our children the opportunities our parents provided to us: a chance to grow up into productive citizens without a veil of fear.

The true power of Federal criminal justice legislation is its ability to set precedent. The administration's commitment to Megan's Law, a national sex offender registry, truth in sentencing, and increased utilization of computer technology in law enforcement sends a clear message to the states. Support for a two-strike law for child sexual molestation, the tracking and monitoring of parole violent offenders, and coordinated efforts between the states and the sharing of information is equally as important. As with Megan's Law, financial incentives further encourage the states to support laws that prioritize child safety.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, in 1992 there were 24 full-time officers for every 10,000 residents nationwide . This equals one law enforcement official per 416 civilian residents. Therefore, it stands to reason that communities and neighborhoods are better served by creating crime prevention and awareness programs that include citizen's participation and cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in our communities. In the months, weeks, and days prior to Polly's abduction and murder many neighbors encountered her killer yet failed to report the ominous stranger to law enforcement. An effective neighborhood watch program circumvents apathy and denial.

On a more personal level, families need to be educated about the dangers that face children on a daily basis. California, with the oldest sex offender registry in the United States, currently has nearly 70,000 registrants. Only a small number of sex crimes-are reported. An even smaller number result in convictions and many offenders plea-bargain to non-sexual offenses. Therefore, parents should raise their children as if there is a predator living in their neighborhood, because there very well might be. Children need tools to protect themselves by learning how to avoid compromising situations.

In order to protect our children we must work together on every level and we must make this issue a high priority. By taking personal responsibility for our most innocent and vulnerable citizens, we ensure that the world our children inherit is safer and more secure than one we inherited from our parents.

Best Wishs From Marc Klaas