Updated 28 May, 2012, 12:47 pm IST

Sex Offender Search for Mobiles Launched

08 Dec, 2006, 2:27 pm IST | by Sharon Khare |

Family Watchdog, provider of registered sex offender information in America, has announced a partnership with Platinum Studios, an entertainment company that controls an independent library of comic book characters, to use mobile devices and "edutainment-oriented" content to provide consumers with tools to protect and educate themselves, their families and communities about the threat of sexual predators.

Family Watchdog users will now be able to conduct searches to view information about where registered sexual offenders live and work, view photos, review conviction details and other important data. Platinum Studios has worked with Family Watchdog to make this information available on mobile devices. Users can set up mobile alerts by visiting the site. Additionally users can register to receive email and text notifications to alert them when offenders move in or out of their neighborhoods. The Web site and mobile alerts are available in both English and Spanish with other languages in development.

"I have been watching Family Watchdog's progress in truly saving lives," said Ed Smart, whose daughter Elizabeth was kidnapped in 2002 and found in 2003. "It's exciting that Platinum Studios understands the vision and need of Family Watchdog to create new educational content that is family-friendly, promotes awareness and safety, and empowers parents and their children to bring this very serious issue to light in a non-threatening way. I applaud their vision and look forward to supporting their efforts."

"We have been looking for an even timelier and direct manner to supply Family Watchdog users with this critical information," said Steve Roddel, chief executive officer and founder of FamilyWatchdog.US. "Platinum Studios' support allows us to offer the full-functionality of our Web site on mobile devices and we will be working with them to develop comics-based educational content for families."

Platinum Studios will develop English and Spanish language comics-based content across Web, television and film platforms to further support the partnership. In addition Platinum Studios will work with Family Watchdog to create other opportunities and relationships within the entertainment industry.

"As a parent myself, if our support of Family Watchdog can help just one family or child, I know we have made a difference," said Platinum Studios chairman and chief executive officer, Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. "I have helped support great causes like the Red Cross, Alzheimer's Association and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the past and look forward to utilizing our experience developing comic properties to help parents and children learn how to prevent a crisis."

Content will be available on Family Watchdog in mobile, print or online form starting in early 2007.

Tags: mobile phones , web site , Family Watchdog , Platinum Studio