Tracking offenders

Sex offenders leave scars on their victims long after the knife or gunshot wounds inflicted in other crimes have healed. And the preponderance of medical science and criminal statistics indicates individuals who commit sexual offense rarely can be cured of their predilections.

As a result, society has generally accepted the criminal-justice philosophy of special sentencing guidelines for sexual offenders. Some states, recognizing the likelihood that some sexual offenders will repeat their offenses, have adopted laws, for example, that keep offenders institutionalized even after a criminal sentence ends.

And most states now require convicted sexual offenders who are released from prison to register with a sheriff's department wherever they relocate. Many departments post lists of sexual offenders on Web sites, making it easy for concerned parents to learn if any sexual offenders live nearby. There also are laws that restrict how close to a school a convicted sexual offender can live.

Now four states have gone another step by requiring sexual offenders to wear ankle bracelets with Global Positioning System transmitters for the rest of their lives. Using GPS technology, law enforcement officials can quickly determine whether or not a sexual offender was in the vicinity when children are reported missing. Other states are considering similar GPS requirements. Even Congress is taking a look at the tracking system for sexual offenders.

Some civil-rights organization question these tracking systems. But it's hard to argue against anything that might protect innocent victims from sexual predators. Having more control over those who commit these acts will likely be considered appropriate by those who are concerned about any sexual offenders living in their neighborhood.