KEEPING TABS ON SEX OFFENDERS IS GOOD

A new state law that requires persons convicted of misdemeanor sexual offenses to register with authorities -- just as those convicted of felonious sexual offenses have had to do since 1979 -- will prove beneficial by forewarning of possible trouble.

It particularly will be beneficial to authorities in the investigation of sexual offenses and to schools and day-care centers which must always be on the lookout for sexual deviates in their hiring processes.

Although misdemeanor sexual crimes such as indecent exposure, unwanted sexual touching and others do not sound as serious as felonious sexual crimes such as rape, in many cases the misdemeanor convictions were plea-bargained down from a felony charge.

Those instances particularly illustrate the need for the new law.