Who Lives Next Door???

29/05/2014

The Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) is urging New Zealand communities to become pro-active and get to know their neighbours.

“In light of the tragic death of, Blessie Gotingco, we are asking communities nationwide to look out for each other and get to know your neighbours,” Ruth Money Spokesperson for the Trust says.

Currently SST has an Offenders Database run by volunteers that lists criminals and their convictions, however SST are calling on the Ministry of Justice to develop a database that enables the general public to access all open court files on offenders.

“Who lives next door to you? Do you know their criminal history? Are they a violent offender who could pose a risk to you and your loved ones?” Money says. “The information is a click away and we urge everyone to get informed and bind together as a community.”

Many convictions are entered and sentenced in an open court, however the whole ‘public record’ aspect can become obscure and difficult to find. Luckily many of these convictions are picked up and entered on the SST Offenders Database by a host of dedicated volunteers.

“It may well be a violent offender who has a long and dangerous history and is supposed to be being supervised?” Money warns. “All too often they are not supervised well enough – with tragic results.”

“Its simple to pop a name into the search fields,” Money continues. “It may just save a life.”

The Database can be viewed at http://www.sst.org.nz/offenders-database/

ENDS

© Scoop Media