Spurred by the tragic abduction and murder of 12-year old Zina Linnik, Safe Streets Campaign and the Hilltop Action Coalition have organized a community forum on sex offenders. Hosted by Sen. Debbie Regala, Rep. Dennis Flannigan and Rep. Jeannie Darneille of the 27th District, the forum will take place Thurs., Sept. 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 2106 South Cushman Avenue in Tacoma.

With a focus on community awareness and education, the forum will feature an overview of current laws, a panel of experts on sex offenders and focus group discussion.

Participants will also have the opportunity to help shape future policies. Aside from sharing their ideas for improvements with their elected officials, they can join a state task force that will be responsible for making sex offender policy recommendations.

The forum is a collaboration between government, community organization and criminal justice sectors. The issue of sex offenders will be examined from various points of view, ranging from that of service providers who assist the victims of sexual assault, to that of organizations seeking to enhance the safety of neighborhoods containing sex offenders.

For more information, visit http://www.safest.org .