In just a year, Broome County has seen a 26 percent increase in registered sex offenders. According to the sheriff’s office, there were 426 registered offenders in Broome County in 2009, since then, that number has grown to more than 530. Broome County Sheriff’s detective Sgt. Jason Ellis says the sharp increase can be partially attributed to out of town inmates housed at local jails and included on the county list. The other reason is that transient offenders are moving into the area.
While many members of the public may initially be alarmed by these numbers, law enforcement officials say it’s important to keep the numbers in perspective and instead use the information as a tool to educate families. When an offender moves into a community, law enforcement agencies notify neighbors. State and county websites also make a complete list of the offenders, along with their home and work addresses available to the public.
