Child sex offenders in South Australia named on police website

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/20/wanted-sa-child-sex-offenders-named-police-website

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Details of wanted child sex offenders in South Australia will be published online from Thursday under new rules.

Amendments to the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act allow the online publication of specific details, including photos, of registered child sex offenders who have either failed to report to police or who provided false information and whose whereabouts are unknown.

The information will include the offender’s full name and date of birth, with two names posted on the police website so far.

Police said the aim of the publication was to locate the wanted offenders.

“This is all about child protection and community safety,” assistant commissioner Paul Dickson said on Thursday.

But he said police were concerned to strike the right balance between the rights of both the offenders and their victims and the public interest.

Information on the website indicated what people should do if they know of the whereabouts of an offender.

It points out that it is an offence for anyone to engage in conduct that is likely to create, promote or increase animosity towards a registered sex offender.

Limitations also remain on what the media can do with the information, including a requirement for the police minister to give permission for any publication or broadcast of any personal details.

“The fact that some people may decide to take action against these individuals who have been identified on the website – they must be aware there are significant jail terms for offences in relation to their behaviour,” Dickson said.

Attorney general John Rau said while the media could not report details on the website, news organisations could share the website address.

So far two people have been identified on the website, both wanted for failing to report to police in line with their obligations.

But there remain limitations on what the media can do with the information, with a requirement for the police minister to give permission for the publication or display of any personal details.