According to the Orlando Sentinel, the number of registered sex offenders has been increasing across the country; however, the nation's overall increase of 23 percent is nothing compared to the 74 percent increase in registered sex offenders in Florida.
Some consider the increase as a positive sign that Florida law enforcement has been proactive and aggressive against sex offenders; the numbers mean that sex crimes have been a priority. In Polk County, the Sheriff's Office has been coordinating the 16-county Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force since 2007. In 2011, the task force made 306 arrests for child-related sex offenses. The goal of the task force is not only to arrest sex offenders but to get them registered so that they can be monitored.
Although some people concede that the high numbers of registered sex offenders in Florida may mean that law enforcement is doing a good job, it is not actually a good thing. The increase in registered sex offenders should be a cause for concern as it points to the number of crimes being committed or at least attempted. In 2006, Florida had 33,280 registered sex offenders; by 2011, this number jumped to 57,896. With 307 registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents, Florida has the highest proportion of sex offenders by population.
Sex crimes, especially against children, are taken very seriously across the country. They are aggressively enforced, prosecuted, and punished. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Florida, the experienced sex crime defense attorneys in Polk County at Musca Law can effectively defend your legal rights. To speak to one of our lawyers about your specific case, call us today for a confidential consultation at (888) 484-5057.