The Crimes Against Children Unit of the West Virginia State Police joined the governor to present statistics on minor related crime in an attempt to persuade lawmakers to allow six additional troopers and one civilian to be funded by the state.
The presentation consisted of a short video, remarks by state troopers and the governor, and questions from lawmakers.
“I was shocked to discover the horrible crimes bring committed against our most innocent citizens,” said State Police Colonel Timothy Peck. Peck said there are 1,000 child pornography violations per month.
The Crimes Against Children Proposal reported 15,682 assault/abuse crimes against children and 3,490 sex crimes against children in the last three years. They have also compiled a list of 3,100 registered sex offenders in the state.
The House of Delegates has introduced the following bills relating to child abuse:
House Bill 2059 – Would prohibit certain sex offenders from loitering within one thousand feet of a school or child care facility, school bus stop, or other child safety zone
House Bill 2447 Would establish county and municipal authorities to provide for and maintain facilities to house Child Advocacy Centers
House Bill 2456 Would prohibit parents, guardians or custodians from allowing sexually violent predators and registered child abusers access to children.
House Bill 2612 Would increase penalties for failing to report child abuse
House Bill 2641 Would require the Commissioner of Corrections to keep track of repeat offenses committed by persons convicted of sexual offenses against children
House Bill 2707 Would eliminate good time for persons convicted of sex crimes involving minor children
House Bill 2783 Would create a criminal felony offense of aggravated assault or battery of a child or a person who is mentally incapacitated
House Bill 2879 Would increase the minimum prison sentence for a parent or guardian or custodian who abuses a child
