Chelmsford's Community Voices Awards Arciero

Massachusetts state Rep. Jim Arciero (D-Westford) was recently honored with the "2011 Spirit of Compassion Award" by Community Voices, a local group founded in 2004 with the aim of increasing public safety and victim advocacy organization.

The award was given in response to Arciero's work earlier this year in expanding information access .

"I am honored and humbled by this award. The work is not done yet on this issue, but with the support of Community Voices and their members, I know we will win this battle," said Arciero.

In particular, Community Voices was pleased with Arciero's push to bring Massachusetts in compliance with the federal Adam Walsh Act in order to save $600,000 in congressional funding for internet safety in the commonwealth.

"The safety of my community doesn't end at the town line," said Laurie Myers, Community Voices president and Chelmsford resident. "As parents, we travel to different communities with our children and should have access to the information without having to visit the police deparment to fill out a form every time we want it."

Currently in the commonwealth, sex offenders are divided into three categories, with information for less serious crimes (level 1) not available to the public.