Megan’s Law information at the Ramona Sheriff’s Station

Ramona is first unincorporated Sheriff’s Station to provide system to the Public

The Megan’s Law CD-ROM system, containing information on serious and high-risk sex offenders, is now available by appointment only at the Ramona Sheriff’s Station, 1424 Montecito Road.

Appointments may be arranged from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. For details, call the station at (760) 789-9157.

The information is to allow members of the public to protect themselves and their children from sex offenders. Data displayed ranges from sex offenders’ names, photographs, physical descriptions and registered sex offenses to county and ZIP code based on their last registered address.

A pin map of sex offenders is also available online, with information on the approximate location oftheir residences. No photos or descriptions will be displayed. For details or to view the map, visit www.sdsheriff.net.

Those who view the Megan’s Law CD-ROM system must be 18 years or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; provide a valid California driver’s license or California identification card; and sign a statement that they are not a registered sex offender. The complete list of requirements is available at the Ramona Sheriff’s station.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children along to view the information, which may be used as a prevention tool. Kids are out and involved in a variety of activities and may be the first to spot sex offenders, sheriff’s officials say.

Children and parents should always be aware of their surroundings. Child molesters have well-developed techniques for luring victims, sheriff’s officials say. Generally, molesters are skilled at identifying vulnerable victims and are able to identify better with children than adults.

Many parents warn their children not to talk to strangers. But more often, an abuser or abductor is someone the child knows. He or she can be a school bus driver, teacher, relative, neighbor or family friend. It is best to teach your child to avoid certain situations or actions, sheriff’s officials say.

Here are some specific rules that parents can teach their child:

• Stay away from people who call you near their car.

• If someone tries to take you away, Yell “Stranger! Stranger!” and try to get away.

• If you get lost in a store, go to a checkout counter or other parents with children. Never wander around on your own.

• Don’t let anyone take your picture without permission from your parents or teacher.

For more information, call Crime Prevention Specialist Matt Funk at the Ramona Sheriff’s Station, (760) 728-2425.