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April 01, 2006
Workshop: Part Conference, Part Rally
by Kevin Gillick
Spring 2006
Child advocates, law makers and law enforcers are slated to converge on Cape Canaveral in May to participate in the Space Coast Conference On Child Protection. The event, which is themed the "Lunsford Act Workshop" (L.A.W.), will examine the dramatic new legislation designed to protect Florida's children from sex predators.
State Representatives Mitch Needleman and Bob Allen will be on hand to discuss the dynamic legislation in the works in Tallahassee. Both are co-sponsors of the Jessica Lunsford Act. Representative Allen has introduced the "Sexual Predator Elimination Act" which calls for mandatory life sentences for certain sex offenders. The controversial bill also outlaws plea bargaining for those charged with the most severe sex crimes.
Scheduled between the 2006 legislative sessions, the conference is an opportunity for law enforcement to present a laundry list for state law makers.
"Certainly, there will be some tweaking to do." says Sheriff Jack Parker, "these laws have changed the landscape for local law enforcement." Parker who is earning a reputation for his agressive posture toward policing sex criminals, will take his turn at the podium to outline his goal of creating a "Child Safe" community.
Parker will be joined by Chief Phillip Ludos of the Cocoa Police Department. The veteran cop is president of the Association of Chiefs of Police: "In some cases, these local ordinances are running ahead of existing state law." Chief Ludos spoke to THE GUARDIAN by telephone March 14.
Melbourne-based attorney Michael Kahn, will discuss issues concerning civil liberties at the workshop. An expert in constitutional law, Kahn’s presentation will be aimed at anticipating challenges to this radical new legislation.
Activist and Author Claire Reeves (pictured left), will keynote the event along with Mark Lunsford. Her organization Mothers Against Sexual Abuse (M.A.S.A) spearheaded some of the fundamental laws of the American child-protection movement. She was a prime mover behind the elimination of the statute of limitations for sexual assault on young children. The adoption of the law allows victims to file charges many years after their abuse. Reeves was instrumental in forcing adoption of California’s chemical castration law. She is the author of "Childhood: It Should Not Hurt".
Host Mayor, Rocky Randells of Cape Canaveral will welcome the conferees at the Radisson-Resort at the Port. The one-day event begins at 9:00 AM, May 19th and registration can be made by calling Protect Our Children at 321-638-3711. To register on-line visit the website at www.uspoc,org. The cost of registration will increase after May 5th, and group discounts are available. Luncheon will be provided by the Radisson’s banquet staff.
Posted by uspoc at April 1, 2006 02:17 PM