LCPS: New Software Keeps Bus Stops Away From Sex Offenders
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Las Cruces Public Schools will start using a new program to keep kids safe from registered sex offenders at school bus stops.
The new software can pinpoint the address of a registered sex offender – then set up a virtual radius around that house to see if any stops fall in that range. The radius covers a thousand feet in all directions around the house. School officials can then decide to move the bus stop if it falls inside that radius.
The program also clarifies if the stops are for elementary, middle, or high school students.LCPS said they always look up the address of sex offenders in relation to bus stops. But now the district can be that much more accurate in keeping the children safe.
“What we’ll do is look up and see who that particular predator is, and see what his situation is, and look at what his offenses were, and then move the bus stop so children don’t have to pass that house if possible.” says Larry Altamirano, the Director ofLCPS Transportation.
One concerned parent, Tani Hinds says, “We need to protect our children from all the crime out there, and from the people who are out to hurt our children, and the more we can do the better.”
