We want to hear from you.

The Albert Lea Tribune kicks off a series of stories today called &8220;Protecting Your Children.&8221; The series aims to shed greater light on the topics of sexual predators, child abuse, law enforcement constraints and the politics surrounding those issues.

We asked many questions: How did we get to where we are today? Where do we go tomorrow? How can we protect our children? How much of the debate is hype? What are the facts? What are the numbers? Who really commits the crimes? How do the police catch the bad guys? What are the signs of abuse? What about the cyberspace angle? Where can people go for help? And many more Š

It is very important for public officials, parents, teachers and anyone who works with children to read the series. With greater knowledge, Freeborn County will have a greater debate and arrive at solid answers.

&8220;Protecting Our Children&8221; will be a seven-part series. Today, you can read the first part on the Front Page. You will see more stories through the coming week.

We want to point out something special with the seventh and final part, which publishes next Sunday. It is the part where we hear from you. Some people may have seen our staff on the streets already asking questions and taking photos. We are soliciting your views. In addition, we would like to hear from you. We will publish your comments all at once next Sunday.

Before 5 p.m. Thursday, please send your letters to the editor to news@albertleatribune.com with the subject &8220;Protecting Your Children&8221; or send to Letters to the Editor, Albert Lea Tribune, 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007, and title the letter &8220;Protecting Your Children.&8221;

As always, thank you for reading.

&045; Albert Lea Tribune