The state of Wisconsin has lost track of about 2,900 sex offenders, according to the Associated Press. That is a pretty scary thought.

The worst part is that the problem could be prevented. The state has only eight people tracking down the missing offenders, which is not enough. Sex offenses are serious crimes and more effort needs to be taken to keep an eye on those likely to offend again.

Another problem is that the state relies on letters from offenders to verify their whereabouts. This is an ineffective method of communication because many offenders go missing by simply not returning the letters. Also, the system relies on sex offenders to be honest. If criminals had a chance to disappear from law enforcement’s radar, wouldn’t they?

Not returning the letters results in a maximum penalty of nine months in a county jail for offenders without parole officers. No charges are filed for those with parole officers. A stiffer penalty could make the sex offenders more likely to return their letters, since nine months probably isn’t a huge worry when freedom is the other option.

By employing this archaic system, the state is doing its citizens a disservice. The offenders who go absent are allowed to move into neighborhoods unannounced. This puts families and their children at risk. When authorities know a sex offender is moving or being released, the community is notified. When one does so illegally, however, no one knows.

The state owes its citizens more than this. Losing about one-third of its sex offenders is outrageous. There needs to be a more effective means of tracking them and there certainly needs to be more manpower employed in catching them if they do run. By keeping the current system, we are putting other families at a huge risk. Saving a few dollars in the budget is not worth that risk.