Sen. Charles Schumer: Give Youth Groups Access To Applicants' Complete Criminal Histories
NEW YORK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer wants to give youth organizations access to a federal crime database when screening seeking to volunteer or work with children.
The proposed legislation follows recent child pornography charges against 71 people in the New York City area, including a Boy Scout leader, a Little League coach and individuals who taught at a Jewish girls' seminary and classes at a Catholic church.
"Sexual predators actually try to seek these jobs out," the senator told reporters, including WCBS 880's Jim Smith, on Sunday in Manhattan. "Because of the demons that plague them, they're looking for places to get close to kids."
Sen. Charles Schumer: Give Youth Groups Access To Applicants' Complete Criminal Histories
Schumer, D-N.Y., said under current law, most children's organizations in the state have access to only the state criminal background database or have to pay $150 per worker for a comprehensive check.
He wants to allow them to screen candidates at local police stations using the FBI criminal background checks for just a few dollars, Smith reported.
He said the measure would deter sexual predators from moving to a new state to avoid detection.
"It's the most accurate and complete," Schumer said. " ... It covers the whole country."
Last month, federal authorities charged the 71 people in what officials called one of the largest-ever roundups locally of people who anonymously trade child porn online.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Caireen, targeted people who used computer file-sharing programs to exchange videos and photos of children having sex.
Authorities said the defendants include an NYPD police officer, a paramedic, a nurse, a Brooklyn rabbi and a Boy Scout leader, among others.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
