Police chief hasn't changed his mind

He says public should be warned when sex offenders leave jail 

Cornwall Standard Freeholder? or, Ottawa Sun? ( I believe it's the former) 

By Jacki Leroux 

Staff Writer 

 Cornwall Police Chief Claude Shaver still believes repeat sex offenders who are released from custody should have their names and photos circulated, despite criticism of the idea in other jurisdictions.  

Ottawa and Gloucester police are reconsidering the idea after originally saying they would release the names of high-risk offenders living in those communities. 

Ottawa police Chief Tom Flanagan expressed concern about comments made by Ontario Attorney General Marion Boyd who said the government was considering stopping police forces from releasing the names of high-risk offenders. 

"If it comes back that someone is being legally challenged and they say you can't do it obviously we're not going to break the law," said Shaver. "But it still doesn't change my opinion. I still believe repeat sex offenders should be identified." 

But Shaver agrees there area many things that have to be considered before making such a move. 

"It's the right of the accused to a fair trial," said Shaver. "There's no question we have to look at that aspect." 

Crown attorney Murray MacDonald said the ministry is looking closely at balancing the civil liberties of the prisoner with the best interests of the community. 

"Often it can be argued that the best interests of the community have to be paramount. What our ministry is trying to come up with is some policy guidelines as to how we can balance those interests with those of the prisoner," he said. 

MacDonald said if this could be successfully accomplished, he would be all for releasing the names and photos of convicted child sex abusers in the community. 

"Each case has to be looked at in its own merit. What I'm for is trying as best we can to protect the community while not turning a blind eye to the prisoner. 

"I think you're going to see (the ministry) coming up with some policy directions that are going to be of help to all of us," he said. Shaver said people have expressed to him their desire to have information on sex offenders. 

"And my officers see the pain and suffering that's caused. I think the community would want to know about repeat offenders who hurt women and children, if they're going back into the community."