I just came across this Windows Live maps mashup that lets you find sex offenders in your neighborhood on a map. Vision 20/20 is a free web based service that uses the publicly available data of 650,000 sex offenders in the US and displays it in a map of your area.
You just enter your address and Vision 20/20 displays a map of your area and the sex offenders as push pins. If you click on the pin, it opens up a window with name, address, DOB and a mug shot of the offender.
I was like wow when I looked at the area surrounding us but there weren’t anybody in a 5 mile radius if that’s any comfort! What does your neighborhood look like?
I think this is a great tool for everyone. Residents could be aware of their neighbors. And new home buyers could foresee what kind of neighborhood they are moving into.
[via TechCrunch]
Hi,
WOW…. I have to check if this is available in the UK.
There has been a lot of debate here about publishing the names and addresses of sex offenders. As with other stupid laws in this country it is not allowed, but the internet might be a different thing.
The whole topic of UK law drives me mad. The UK is more interested in protecting the criminal than the victim’s rights.
For example pepper spray UK law prohibits the purchasing or carrying pepper spray. In test cases it was argued that it could cause undue distress to the criminal.
Pepper Spray causes 30 – 45 minutes of discomfort. How much pain and years of anguish does a rape victim endure?
Sorry I am starting to rant.
Great article I am off to check it out
Emma
Emma Plumbers last blog post..Pepper Spray UK – Looking To Buy
your ranting is absolutely right Emma. and yes, great article indeed.