Person Forced to Register (PFR) Displays “Sex Offender” Sign
A PFR in Florida is “letting his neighbors know that he is a registered sex offender in a unique way: with a large sign in his yard.” (Aol., May 2024)
Even though he was able to avoid jail time, he will be on the sex offense registry for life. According to the PFR, one reason for the sign was to start a dialogue. He is finding it difficult to accept the designation of “sex offender,” since it will last the rest of his life.
I hope that this works out for him in some positive ways. I just hope that it doesn’t attract the self righteous and the vigilantes.
Please stop calling people vigilantes. Anyone who seeks to harm another is not a vigilante, they’re just a criminal.
Semantics. Vigilante justice could also be called a public lynching or summary execution. It is almost a certainty that the state will prosecute the vigilante. Although the vigilante may have had good intentions, and although their actions may have led to the apprehension of a much more dangerous criminal, the fact remains that the vigilante broke the law and must face the consequences.
Agree. Using the term Vigilante gives the impression they are doing something good that the government enforcers should have done. Even if it means causing harm, it was good harm when applied via a Vigilante. That term needs to go. I do get the point they are making, but I see the term used to often in our community.
@ Anonymous
It still applies as they think they are doing good by killing someone on the registry.
Here is the dictionary’s definition:
“A member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate.”
I interpret that to mean, because the cops won’t put all sex offenders back in prison, the vigilantes will make sure the registrants are not in their community by whatever means necessary, including violence and force.
We are not talking Batman Vigilante here; we are talking rouge persons or groups who take it upon themselves to rid us from society.
This is a “suicide by mob” move and it will backfire tremendously. This is not something you want to rub people’s face’s in.
Some states (At least use to) make you display those signs but many of them were struck down as compelled speech. As for me, I try to lay low and not draw any more attention than necessary.
Not feeling that was a good decision on his part, but it is his life so maybe everyone else will move and he can live on an empty street with no neighbors. Also, if he has homeowners’ insurance, he might want to increase the coverage.
*MY thoughts and opinions.
*edit from previous post*
Is this guy actually expecting welcome wagon? He might get the opposite All it would take is for the wrong person to see that sign.
In elementary school, when you stopped showing fear and shame, the bully would leave you alone.
“Promoting the sexual performance of a child”. I had not heard that one before. Any wording they can come up with to scare and mislead. I would not have guessed that to be illegal images if I read just that.
The illegal images, CSAM, is a problem and we all know that and it is beyond heart breaking but we got to get grip to the realty of how the internet has exploded this and how misunderstood it is.
Most of me thinks this guy is crazy. On the other hand, maybe he has point in that, hey this is what it is, it is not what you think, lets talk. All I can say is Good Luck!
I am sure he has good intentions, but he is attracting unnecessary attention to himself. He could start a dialogue with neighbors without the sign.
A very wise man told me almost 20 years ago that my status is on a “need-to-know” basis and not to disclose it willy-nilly to others. If they need to know, then inform them. If they don’t need to know, then don’t bring it up unless they ask, then answer truthfully but concisely.
Doesn’t matter what you call the people who seek to harm pfrs, the people causing the harm are breaking the law. Yet law enforcement does nothing to protect pfrs and in most instances promotes the harm. I know this from personal experience living in multiple jurisdictions.
Even while my ILSC case was ongoing, I was harassed and threatened 2x by the same individual. I went to court to get a TRO but the judge said ” I don’t think the legislature envisioned a TRO to be used in a situation such as this.” Exact quote. Ten days later I was in the ER with a concussion and needed major neck surgery due to being attacked. I lost a tooth as well as permanent nerve damage in my left arm and hand. Yet the police report states that I fell.
Because of this attack, my wife filed for divorce and I’ll probably never see my two young children again (14 & 11). But hey, as long as the “neighborhood” feels safe knowing where I live.
Moral of the story: NEVER disclose your status as a pfr!
Martin Kopf
This story is from 2012. I don’t know why it’s posted now. This guy has since moved to New Jersey and then to Colorado where he is now. This sign is long in his past. However, he is still on Florida’s registry and will be after he dies.