Nothing on this planet bothers The Bull as much as sex offenders – particularly, pedophiles. (Towel-headed terrorist come exceedingly close, but not quite…) In our fight against the monsters our State legislatures have given the local law enforcement guys plenty of tools. The problem is that due to many things, including plain and simple ‘non-concern’ on the part of those same local law enforcement personnel, those tools are not being used. Let me give you an example…
Code of Alabama 1975, Title 15, Chapter 20 – Sex Offenders
Section 15-20-25
Adult criminal sex offender – Community notification procedures.(a) Within five business days after the responsible agency provides notice of a release or intent to transfer residence of any adult criminal sex offender, the following procedures shall apply:
(1) In the cities of Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, the chief of police shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 1,000 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender that the criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(2) In all other cities in Alabama with a resident population of 5,000 or more, the chief of police, or if none then the sheriff of the county, shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 1,500 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, that the adult criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(3) In all other municipalities with a resident population of less than 5,000, and in all unincorporated areas, the sheriff of the county in which the adult criminal sex offender intends to reside shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 2,000 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, that the adult criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(b) A community notification flyer shall be made by regular mail or hand delivered to all legal residences required by this section. In addition, any other method reasonably expected to provide notification may be utilized, including, but not limited to, posting a copy of the notice in a prominent place at the office of the sheriff and at the police station closest to the declared residence of the released criminal sex offender, publicizing the notice in a local newspaper, or posting electronically, including the Internet, or other means available.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed as prohibiting the Department of Public Safety, a sheriff, or a chief of police from providing community notification under the provisions of this article electronically or by publication or periodically to persons whose legal residence is more than the applicable distance from the residence of an adult criminal sex offender.
(Act 99-572, p. 1283, §3.)
OK. Let’s look at this more closely…
Note that by the Code, Law Enforcement has five (5) days to follow through on the notification process, (Section 15-20-25 para.(a)).
In several cities specifically listed, (including Mobile, AL), the chief of police must make notification of sex offenders moving into a neighborhood, (Section 15-20-25 para.(a)(1)). This doesn’t appear to be happening. I have asked around and have yet to find someone in the city that was notified in any way that a scumbag was moving in down the street. It is possible that I have not spoken to the right person yet and the Police Dept. has refused comment.
As for the rest of the Code, and how it applies to the rest of Mobile County, The Bull spoke with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Dept. and was told that the notifications do not happen. Why? Well, I was given several reasons including lack of time and lack of manpower. In order to help out both my Community and local law enforcement, The Bull offered to volunteer his own time to handle the notifications. I was informed that it would not be possible because I might get hurt doing the job.
I never knew that operating a copy machine and placing postage on mailers was so hazardous! 
When I questioned this logic I was told that I’d have to be sworn-in to do this notification job. “Well, OK! Let’s do it.”, says me.
“We don’t have the money and you have to go through the Academy”, says the deputy.
“I’m VOLUNTEERING – no pay”, I reply, “and I don’t need the physical training to make flyers and lick stamps.”
And he said, “Sorry.”
So ended that conversation with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
Do you get the feeling that someone is stonewalling me? I do.
I would recommend that you, Dear Reader, contact your State legislators and demand that these notifications, which are already required by Alabama law, be sent out by whatever means necessary. Overtime, new deputies, volunteers, retirees, or disabled Veterans. I don’t care!
Let’s get this done, Alabama! If you are reading this in another State, check and see what is going on with your notification precess. Do not assume that just because you have not been notified that there isn’t a predator living right next door. You may be surprised…
Bull, out.
