Proposal to Deregister Low Risk Sex Offenders

The difference between low-risk and high-risk sex offenders can be hard to see. It comes down to predatory vs. non predatory.

"Predatory would be considered those who victimize without consent,” explains Jed Davenport, director of Midland Judicial District's Community Supervision and Corrections Dept. “In Texas that can range from assault to aggravated assault to even murder type of offenses related to sex. "

A lesser offense can be categorized as low-risk. If this new measure goes into effect, these offenders could de-register from the sex offender list after some mandatory counseling. The proposal is meant to save money and time, but some people worry that it could put others in danger.

"They could be out and we wouldn't know," Said Cassie Hamilton, a mother of two. "I mean, having kids its kinda scary."

Hamilton doesn't think this budget cut is a smart move-- especially since counseling a sex offender doesn't focus on a cure.

"Most of your approaches believes that sex offender learn to show restraint," said Davenport. "Not that after an X number time of counseling your cured. Most just learn to exhibit self-control."

The Council on Sex Offender treatment is set to meet Saturday, February 26th to iron out the specifics. Even the council accepts the proposal, it would take more time to establish counseling guidelines and set everything up.