Building a violent offender registry, similar to one Ohio already has for convicted sex offenders, would seem to be an easy task.

Lawmakers could create a database with public information on those convicted of murder, attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery and, perhaps, certain other serious crimes.

The registry could include where the person lives, works and frequents, the kind of vehicle they drive, the crime they committed, and how long they’ve been out of prison.

But the job may not be that simple.

How long should an offender be kept in such a database? For 10 years? 25? Forever?

What about those who have served their time and have rehabilitated themselves? How long is long enough to be publicly branded for a crime?

Finding the right balance between public safety and offenders’ rights is ahead for Sens. Cliff Hite, R-Findlay, and Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, and other lawmakers who are expected to explore creation of such a registry this fall.

The idea arose shortly after University of Toledo student Sierah Joughin, 20, was found murdered in a Fulton County cornfield not far from where she had been riding her bike. The man charged with her death, James Worley, lives in the area, and had served three years in prison after being convicted of abduction in 1990…

 

The (Findlay) Courier