National Sex Offenders Registry is born
NADRA deploys a new platform to identify the sex offenders of Child and woman
Pak Chronicle Web Desk
In an unprecedented development, National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) deployed a new platform National Sex Offenders Registry (NSOR), coupled with an sms verification for citizens, stated a press release issued by NADRA on Saturday.
The NSOR service helps citizens and institutions across the country to identify and track individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes against children and women. It is a dynamic database of sexual convicts. The links are established with various law enforcement departments and provincial governments so that updates are made in real-time. This move is aimed at making the service more dynamic and responsive to the needs of the institutions and people at large in preventing sexual violence and abuse. An SMS-based verification service will alert citizens, employers and departments to beware of such culprits.
This initiative has always remained closer to my heart, which is a critical step towards safeguarding women and children from sexual violence and abuse, according to Tariq Malik, the Chairman of NADRA. He announced that citizens can now use this service to verify the CNIC number of individuals being hired for household chores, at mosques, colleges, universities, or any other employment to ensure they are not sexual convicts, have a clean record and can be trusted around women and children.
Mr. Malik said, “Preventing even a single instance of child or woman from sexual abuse is not just an act of protection but also an investment in the future of our country. We owe it to the weakest of the weak, and our nation has to take this responsibility seriously. We must recognize that preventing child and woman from sexual abuse is not just a matter of punishing offenders, but also of creating a culture of safety and protection for the most vulnerable segments [Children and women]. Only then can we ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
It is pertinent to mention that the purpose of this service is to provide common citizens and institutions with quick and easy access to information about sex offenders, particularly those who may pose a potential threat to children and women in our well-knit communities. The information can also be used to locate offenders to prevent future crimes and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
Upon provision of CNIC by the individual being hired, the citizens of Pakistan can verify whether he is a convicted sex offender or not by sending a 13-digit CNIC number to 7000 (SMS short code). Upon verification he/she will receive a reply in Urdu: “Beware! ABC son of XYZ is a convict. Don’t let him be around children and women.”
Meanwhile in the United States, the issue of sex offenses is taken very seriously, and the state of Texas has one of the most comprehensive sex offender registration programs in the country. The Texas Sex Offender Registry is a database maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that contains the names, photographs, and other identifying information of convicted sex offenders who are required by law to register with the state.
The purpose of the Texas Sex Offender Registry is to help law enforcement agencies and the public identify and monitor individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. This includes individuals who have been convicted of offenses such as rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and indecent exposure. The registry provides information on the location of sex offenders, their criminal history, and other relevant information that may be useful in ensuring public safety.
In Texas, the sex offender registration program is governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which outlines the requirements for registration, reporting, and monitoring of convicted sex offenders. Under this law, individuals who have been convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register with the state within seven days of their release from prison, or within seven days of moving into Texas if they are already registered in another state.
The registration requirements vary depending on the severity of the offense, the age of the victim, and other factors. For example, individuals convicted of a first-degree felony sexual offense or multiple sexual offenses are required to register for life, while those convicted of less severe offenses may be required to register for a shorter period of time. Failure to register as a sex offender is a felony offense in Texas, and can result in additional criminal charges and penalties.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry is publicly accessible, meaning that anyone can search the database for information on registered sex offenders in their area. This information is intended to help individuals protect themselves and their families from potential danger, and to help law enforcement agencies monitor the activities of convicted sex offenders.
However, there are some concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of the sex offender registration program. Critics argue that the registry may not be effective in preventing sex crimes, and that it may actually lead to increased stigmatization and discrimination against sex offenders. There are also concerns about the potential for false accusations and wrongful convictions, which could result in innocent individuals being labeled as sex offenders and placed on the registry.
Despite these concerns, the Texas Sex Offender Registry remains an important tool in the fight against sex crimes. By providing information on convicted sex offenders and their whereabouts, the registry can help prevent potential victims from being targeted and can assist law enforcement in tracking down and apprehending individuals who commit sex crimes.
In conclusion, the Texas Sex Offender Registry is a comprehensive program designed to identify and monitor convicted sex offenders in the state. While there are some concerns about the effectiveness and accuracy of the program, it remains an important tool in protecting public safety and preventing sex crimes in Texas.
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