Enid Police issue warning about sexual predators

ENID, Okla. (AP) -- Police in Enid are warning library officials there that sexual predators are using computers at the local library to prey on children.<br/><br/>Sergeant Tom Nichols recently addressed

Tuesday, May 3rd 2005, 5:54 am

By: News On 6

ENID, Okla. (AP) -- Police in Enid are warning library officials there that sexual predators are using computers at the local library to prey on children.

Sergeant Tom Nichols recently addressed the board of the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County. He says officers are seeking to eliminate access to e-mail and chat rooms and want a computer log to track users.

Board members say they are willing to help, but are researching their responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of library patrons.

Nichols says a number of sexual predators have been spotted by police at the library.

He says he believes sex offenders make physical contact with juveniles at the library then talk to them through chat rooms or e-mail and build a rapport with them. Then, they set up a meeting away from the library.

He says police are not trying to prevent anyone from using the library, but want a record of who uses it.