Kids safety apps help parents, schools keep children safe

Batesville, Mississippi — The Panola County Sheriff’s Office announced March 27, 2026, that it has joined the nationwide OffenderWatch sex offender registry network, the office said.

A major goal for the upcoming year is implementing OffenderWatch software, a nationwide database system designed to better monitor and manage registered sex offenders, Purvis shared. “What it allows us to do is manage the roughly 46 sex offenders that live out in the county,” he explained. “So we can manage their movements, manage their compliance checks. It’s also an investigative tool.” Purvis is planning to meet with neighboring counties to explore regional collaboration using the same system to share information. “When a registered offender moves into the county from another jurisdiction, our deputies save countless hours researching and re-entering data because the offender record is seamlessly shared between agencies,” Purvis said. “OffenderWatch maintains a historical record of offender information, which supports our registry staff, investigators and deputies in working together more effectively. This allows our team to be more proactive in managing offenders and keeping our community informed and protected.” By joining the program, GCSD gained access to a national information-sharing platform used by thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. The system provides real-time communication, improved tracking of offender movement and enhanced coordination between jurisdictions, helping agencies maintain accurate records and respond more quickly to changes in offender status, according to Purvis. The OffenderWatch public website also provides community members with the ability to search for registered sex offenders in their area, submit tips directly to law enforcement and access important safety resources. Purvis added that the platform includes public safety and awareness information designed to help families better recognize potential risks and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities. Another goal he highlighted is expanding a partnership with the FBI through the Safe Streets Task Force. Assigning a deputy to the federal task force would allow access to federal resources and to potentially pursue federal charges for repeat offenders, which carry stronger sentencing options. Additionally, the department is increasing its emphasis on internal training for deputies and corrections officers to improve service quality and reduce liability.

Washoe County has launched a new OffenderWatch public portal and notification system