It is our intent to create a respectful environment for understanding and healing, a Discussion-Safety-Zone for Related Topics, while maintaining our Visitors' Zones-of-Privacy, and to interact on a non-judgmental basis. Today far too many communities fail to create these safety-zones! News & Noteworthy: Articles Concerning Sex Offender Issues ©
State Sex Offender Registries Today: Left Sec.....: Harassment, Stalking, and Cyber-Stalking Laws;
Middle Sec: Compliance with the Adam Walsh Act as to Sec. 118(e)(f);
Right Sec..: Are reported Registry Statistics "Bloated" with Ghost Sex Offender Numbers?
State
Offender
Registry:
(w/wo SEA)
Harassment
Stalking
Cyber-Stalk
Mischief
Vandalism
Threat:
Laws
State Warning Messages Shown:

Adam Walsh Act Requires: "Sec 118(f) Warning- The site shall include a warning that information on the site should not be used to unlawfully injure, harass, or commit a crime against any individual named in the registry or residing or working at any reported address. The warning shall note that any such action could result in civil or criminal penalties."
State Correction Method Shown:

Adam Walsh Act Requires: "Sec 118(e) Correction of Errors- The site shall include instructions on how to seek correction of information that an individual contends is erroneous."
How close are states to the mandate to protect registrants (or their families, friends, co-workers or fellow students) from harassment, intimidation, threats or more violent acts (See murders in multiple states)?
Out of Compliance
Questionable
Contact Who, How & Where?
Total Registered Persons:
1998 2001 2005 2006 2006
DOJ DOJ PFML PFML NCMC
But, are there Ghosts in the machine? (dead, deported, moved to another state, incarcerated, etc.)See 'DBL-Cnt' explaining how Congress removed from AWA a system that would prevent DOUBLE COUNTING.
Percent of change. Pct-Chg
...
 Website Maps of RSO Addresses: Website Maps of RSO Addresses:          
Private websites displaying:

Maps of Offender (Registrants) Addresses

and/or distances between residences and other places mentioned in state laws.
Our general review of address mapping websites (AMW)has uncovered disturbing facts, each of the items below was found to be true of one or more of the mapping sites:

A) State legislatures or local police have not approved them for use, yet we have seen state registry websites show links to them. Accordingly, there is an implied certification created by the linking, either by the state -or- by the mapping site;

B) None of the AMWs carry forward and display the respective state "Warning Message" -or- the "Correction Method" if the offender's information is incorrect. Further, AMWs do not prohibit printing of registrant information without warning and correction messages;

C) Several of the states have limits on the use of their registry information and the state registry explains those limits, but AMWs simply ignore limiting advisories;

D) Many of the states have Security Entry Agreements (SEA) which AMWs have bypassed to gain access to the registrant's information. In all states, bypassing computer security measures is a crime, AMWs are not prosecuted for that crime;

E) AMWs that use Google Maps are violating the Google Maps' "Terms of Service/Use" agreement, in that, Google limits maps to -personal use- and are not for commercial purposes. Google also prohibits advertising other than its own which some of these sites do;

F) Excepting very special circumstances states are not liable for damages caused by the registry, however, such immunity does not flow to third parties who disseminate registry information. A few states allude to this warning in their disclaimers. 		G) So far, with the exception of one, AMWs fail to have, or have very limited, "terms of use" -or- "Privacy" statements pertaining to the AMW site. Such fails to disclose relevant information about the person/s that have created the AMW sites and how they were created, and fail to indicate their accuracy or how to report corrections when information is found to be incorrect. Further, most AMWs fail to inform users whether they collect information from users and how that information may be used;

H) As to AMW sites with distance measurements: i) They fail to explain where the measurement begins (residence door [front side back], curb, middle of street, or assessor's property line) and likewise where the measurement ends; ii) They fail to indicate when distances cannot be measured (irregular property shapes) -or- indicate incorrect distances for these irregular properties; iii) They fail to explain what system was used to take the measurements and it's tolerances, -or- if any distances were mathematically projected because current information was unavailable;

I) When a state registrant is displayed, there is no indication when that information was retrieved from the state registry. How current is the AMW information, given there are no laws governing AMWs?

If anyone has found anything further please advise us so it may be included.   eAdvocate.		          
State
 State Warning Messages: State Correction Method: 1998 2001 2005 2006 2006
Alabama
13A-6-90
13A-6-91
13A-6-92
13A-7-21
13A-7-22
13A-7-23
13A-11-8
 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS. MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION."		 The Alabama Bureau of Investigation updates this information regularly, however, you are cautioned that the information contained on this site may not reflect the current residence, status, or other information regarding the offender! If you believe that any of the information found in these records is in error, please send us your comments. 440

 3,338

+660%		 5,616

+68.2%		 5,193

-7.5%		 6,070
Alaska
11.41.260
11.41.270
11.61.120		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
OBSCURE:"Using information from this site to commit a crime may result in criminal prosecution."		 Although the Department updates this information regularly, the site may not reflect the current residence, status, or other information regarding an offender. If you believe there are errors in this information, please contact: Division of Statewide Services, 5700 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507, (907) 269-0396, 1-800-658-8892 (outside Anchorage in Alaska): 3,535

 4,107

+16.8%		 2,873

-30.0%		 4,219

+46.8%		 2,920
Arizona:
13-1202
13-2902
13-2916
13-2921
13-2921.01
13-2923
28-1522		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS. MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION."		 The Arizona Department of Public Safety updates this information regularly, however, you are cautioned that the information contained on this site may not reflect the current residence, status, or other information regarding the offender! If you believe that any of the information found in these records is in error, please send us your comments. 9,200

 11,500

+25.0%		 9,221

-19.8%		 11,305

+22.6%		 13,259
Arkansas:
(SEA)
Search
Difficult
Searching
5-36-103
5-38-203
5-38-204
5-41-108
5-71-208
5-71-209
5-71-229		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"This information is made available for the purpose of providing the public information concerning Level 3 and Level 4 Registered Sex Offenders who may reside in your area. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution."
Due to the sensitive nature of this information, activity on this site is monitored.
 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 958

 2,935

+206%		 5,864

+99.8%		 6,426

+9.6%		 6,474
California:
(SEA)
No Calif. RSOs are allowed to view records
Search 'Penal'
646.9
646.91		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"The information on this web site is made available solely to protect the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime or to harass an offender or his or her family is subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability."

Other significant protections
mentioned only within California code (New Jersey is the only other state with similar protections):

290.46(j) (1) Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to this section to commit a misdemeanor shall be subject to, in addition to any other penalty or fine imposed, a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (2) Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to this section to commit a felony shall be punished, in addition and consecutive to any other punishment, by a five-year term of imprisonment in the state prison.

290.46(l) (1) A person is authorized to use information disclosed pursuant to this section only to protect a person at risk. (2) Except as authorized under paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, use of any information that is disclosed pursuant to this section for purposes relating to any of the following is prohibited: (A) Health insurance. (B) Insurance. (C) Loans. (D) Credit. (E) Employment. (F) Education, scholarships, or fellowships. (G) Housing or accommodations. (H) Benefits, privileges, or services provided by any business establishment.
Notice of Corrections. If you believe that any information on this site is in error, please contact a police or sheriff's department, or contact the Department of Justice by e-mail.

Our reason for declaring
California Out of compliance:

Under California law (290.46) they prohibit anyone registered from viewing THEIR OWN information or anyone else on the registry. Who is most likely to know if their information is wrong?

290.46(k) "(k) Any person who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 who enters an Internet Web site established pursuant to this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment." 		78,000

 88,853

+13.9%		 102,616

+15.5%		 88,646

-13.6%		 106,736
Colorado:
Search
Statutes
Difficult
18-4-501
18-9-111
18-9-116
18-9-121		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 If you believe any information found in these records is incorrect or if you have any questions, please contact CBI's Program Support Unit at (303) 239-4222, or e-mail. 4,326

 8,804

+103.5%		 8,381

-4.8%		 9,125

+8.9%		 9,269
Connecticut:
53a-181c
53a-181d
53a-181e
53a-182b
53a-183 		See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:WARNING: “ANY PERSON WHO USES INFORMATION IN THIS REGISTRY TO INJURE, HARASS OR COMMIT A CRIMINAL ACT AGAINST ANY PERSON INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRY OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION."		 If you believe that any of the information found in these records is in error, please contact the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police Sex Offender Registry Unit at 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457, Phone (860)685-8060, or by e-mail N/A

 2,030

 3,785

+86.5%		 4,106

+8.5%		 3,699
Delaware:
Search
11-811
11-812
11-821
11-822
11-823
11-1311
11-1312
11-1312A
11-1335
21-6701
21-6703		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!:		 If you believe any information found in these records is incorrect, please contact: State Bureau of Identification, Sex Offender Central Registry, P.O. Box 430, Dover, Delaware 19903. Phone:(302) 739-5882. Email 800

 1,688

+111.0%		 2,961

+75.4%		 2,984

+.8%		 3,015
District of Columbia:
(SEA)
????:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
OBSCURE:"Unlawful use of this information to threaten, intimidate, harass, or injure a registered sex offender will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 50

 303

+506.0%		 624

+105.9%		 641

+2.7%		 636
Florida:
784.048		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!

It is illegal to misuse public records information regarding a sexual predator or a sexual offender as defined by Florida Statutes and to secure a payment from such a predator or offender; to knowingly distribute or publish false information relating to such a predator or offender and to misrepresent such information as being public records information; or to materially alter public records information with the intent to misrepresent the information, including documents, summaries of public records information provided by law enforcement agencies, or public records information displayed by law enforcement agencies on websites or provided through other means of communication. Section 775.21(10)(c), Florida Statutes.		 It is FDLE's desire that the information contained herein be accurate and reliable. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate should contact FDLE by phone at 1 (888) 357-7332 or by e-mail. 9,000

 20,000

+122.0%		 33,990

+69.9%		 35,910

+5.6%		 37,217
Georgia:
16-5-90
34-1-7		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections.: 1,200

 4,564

+280.0%		 8,958

+96.2%		 11,744

+31.1%		 11,856
Hawaii:
(SEA)
711-1106		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Any person who uses the information in this registry to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any person included in the registry may be subject to criminal prosecution, civil liability, or both."		 If you believe any information found in these records is incorrect, please contact the HCJDC, 465 S. King Street Rm. 101, Honolulu, HI 96813 To phone, call (808)587-3100. 1,000

 1,500

+50.0%		 1,957

+30.5%		 2,170

+10.9%		 2,000
Idaho:
18-413
18-6404
18-6409
18-6410
18-6710
18-6711
18-7902
18-7905
18-7906
18-8326
49-230
 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"The information in the sex offender registries is provided only for the purpose of protecting the public. It is not to be used for the purpose of harassing or intimidating anyone. A person who uses registry information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to arrest and prosecution under section 18-8326 or 18-8413, Idaho Code."

MISSING WARNING MESSAGE: When searching for "Violent Sexual Predators." 		No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections.: 1,710

 1,778

+3.9%		 2,606

+46.6%		 2,801

+7.5%		 2,800
Illinois:
(SEA)
5 12-7-5
135 1-2
135 1-3
135 2		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:(Two messages) "Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution." -and- "Information compiled on this Registry may not be used to harass or threaten sex offenders or their families. Harassment, stalking or threats may violate Illinois criminal law."		 IF YOU BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THESE RECORDS IS INACCURATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION TEAM. 14,300

 16,551

+15.7%		 17,100

+3.3%		 17,890

+4.6%		 18,079
Indiana:
(SEA)
35-45-2-2		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Information in this registry may not be used to harass or threaten sex offenders or their families. Harassment, stalking, or threats may violate Indiana law."		 If you believe that information on this web site is incorrect please contact the Sheriff’s Department in the county in which you live. They will be able to assist you directly or by referring you to another Sheriff’s Department where the offender is registered. 9,500

 11,656

+22.7%		 7,300

-37.3%		 8,500

+16.4%		 7,960
Iowa:
(SEA)
708.7		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
OBSCURE:"Any actions taken by you against these subjects, including vandalism of property, verbal or written threats of harm or physical assault against these subjects, their families or employers can result in your arrest and prosecution."		 If you see information on our website that is wrong about an offender, please notify the sheriff of the county where the offender lives. You may also email this agency via the "contact" link located on this website. 2,240

 3,921

+75%		 6,104

+55.7%		 6,058

-.7%		 6,063
Kansas:
Locks you in site
21-3438		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Any person who uses information obtained through this website to threaten, intimidate or harass another, or who otherwise misuses the information may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil liability."		 If you believe any information contained on this website is erroneous or if you have information regarding an offender whose address is shown as being verified, please contact the KBI Registered Offender Unit by mail, email or telephone. 1,200

 1,794

+49.5%		 3,563

+98.6%		 3,981

+11.7%		 4,090
Kentucky:
438.230
508.130
525.070
525.080		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:UNDER KRS 525.070 & 525.080, USE OF INFORMATION FROM THIS WEBSITE TO HARASS A SEX OFFENDER IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 90 DAYS IN THE COUNTY JAIL. MORE SEVERE CRIMINAL PENALTIES APPLY FOR MORE SEVERE CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST A SEX OFFENDER.		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 800

 2,000

+150.0%		 4,898

+144.5%		 5,351

+9.2%		 5,553
Louisiana:(SEA)
14:40.2 14:40.3		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Any person who uses information contained in or accessed through this Website to threaten, intimidate, or harass any individual, including registrants or family members, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability."		 Any individual who believes that information contained in this state Website is inaccurate should communicate with the State Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry, the agency responsible for compiling and updating the information with respect to the state Website. 3,455

 5,708

+65.2%		 6.591

+15.4%		 6,921

+5.0%		 6,975
Maine:
(SEA)
210-A
506
506-A		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"Use of this information to threaten, intimidate, or harass any registrant or any other person may result in criminal prosecution."		 Should you believe that the information contained in the Registry is not accurate please contact the Registry via e-mail or contact the Registry office at 207-624-7270 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. 275

 473

+72.0%		 1,553

+228.0%		 1,670

+7.5%		 1,855
Maryland:(SEA)
????:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"The information presented on this Web site should not be used in any manner to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any individual named in the registry, or residing or working at the reported address. Any such action could subject you to criminal prosecution."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 400

 1,400

+250.0%		 4,253

+203.0%		 4,340

+2.0%		 4,340
Massachusetts:(SEA)
Must be over 18
265-43
265-43A		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Information shall not be used to commit a crime or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassments of an offender. Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to M.G.L. C. 6 §§ 178C - 178P for such purposes shall be punished by not more than two and one half (2 ½) years in a house of correction or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000.00) or both (M.G.L. C.6, § 178N). In addition, any person who uses Registry information to threaten to commit a crime may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months (M.G.L. C. 275 § 4)."

178N. Misuse of information; penalties: Section 178N. Information contained in the sex offender registry shall not be used to commit a crime against a sex offender or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment of an offender. Any person who uses information disclosed pursuant to the provisions of sections 178C to 178P, inclusive, for such purpose shall be punished by not more than two and one-half years in a house of correction or by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by both such fine and imprisonment.. 		No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 7,004 N/A ##
17,000 est
+142.0%		 18,000
+5.8%		 8,104
-55.0%		 9,344
Michigan:
(SEA)
Act 453
Act 328
750.411h
750.411i
750.411s 750.543		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations

No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!

1-1-2007: Michigan removes all WARNINGS which were supposed to protect the registrants. The following was the way it used to be:"Information listed on the registry shall not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass another."

"The MSP has not considered or assessed the specific risk of re-offense with regard to any individual prior to his or her inclusion on the PSOR and has made no determination that any individual included in the PSOR is currently dangerous."
No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections.: 19,000

 26,850

+41.3%		 36,233

+35.0%		 38,032

+5.0%		 37,296
Minnesota:
609.749		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections.: 7,300

 10,610

+45.3%		 15,819

+49.0%		 13,885

-12.2%		 13,894
Mississippi:
(SEA)
????:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"This information is made available for the purpose of protecting the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution."

Other significant protections
mentioned only within Mississippi code.

45-33-51. Misuse of information; penalties.

(1) Any person who willfully misuses or alters public record information relating to a sex offender or sexual predator, including information displayed by law enforcement agencies on web sites, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail not more than six (6) months, or both.

(2) The sale or exchange of sex offender information for profit is prohibited. Any violation of this subsection (2) is a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail not more than six (6) months, or both.
To correct erroneous information in the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry or to report a change in sex offender information, including a change of address, contact the MDPS via e-mail, mail or telephone at the below listed number and addresses. 1,063

 1,512

+42.2%		 3,300

+118.0%		 3,689

+11.8%		 3,750
Missouri:
(SEA)
565.225		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
OBSCURE: "... and that it is illegal to use such information regarding a registered sexual offender to facilitate the commission of a crime."		 If you believe that any of the information found in these records is inaccurate, please contact the sheriff of the county where the sex offender resides or the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Records and Identification Division, Sex Offender Registry Section, by e-mail. 2,800

 7,500

+167.0%		 10,719

+42.9%		 11,031

+2.9%		 11,280
Montana:
45-5-220
45-5-221
45-8-213		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"Anyone who uses this information to injure, harass or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution."		 If you believe that any of the Registry information is in error, please contact the Sexual and Violent Offender Registration Unit at the Montana Department of Justice, by using e-mail or submitting the form below. 1,739

 2,088

+20.0%		 3,370

+61.3%		 1,495

-55.6%		 3,469
Nebraska:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Sex offender registry information shall not be used to retaliate against the registrants, their families, or their employers in any way. Vandalism, verbal or written threats of harm are illegal and will result in arrest and prosecution."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 640

 1,120

+75.0%		 2,041

+82.0%		 2,189

+7.3%		 2,233
Nevada:
Dangerous offender search routine. Unsecured screen and permits entry of SS#.
200.571
200.575		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"Warning: ... A person is authorized to use this information only to protect him/herself or a child who may be at risk. "

"It is illegal to use information obtained through this web site to commit a crime against a registered sex offender or to engage in discrimination or harassment against a registered sex offender. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action."

Information Limitations.

LIMITATION: Based upon NRS 179B.250, only certain information for specific categories can be provided for public access. In short, only TIER Level 2 and TIER Level 3 offenders can be posted on this site. All Tier 3 offenders (high risk) are included on this Website. The Registry is prohibited from sharing any Tier 1 offenders (low risk) and Tier 0 offenders (no assessment required) information. Based upon NRS 179B.250, no information is available on Tier 1 convicted sex offenders.
Nevada's Guidelines and Procedures for Community Notification of Adult Sex Offenders #7 fails to require that anyone, other than local law enforcement, include WARNING MESAGES on any public notifications they may make through schools, organizations, individuals, etc..
No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 1,500

 2,519

+67.9%		 4,734

+87.9%		 5,573

+17.7%		 5,624
New Hampshire:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 1,500

 2,168

+44.5%		 3,100

42.9%		 3,250

+4.8%		 3,336
New Jersey:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"This information is being made available on the Internet to facilitate public access to information about persons who have committed a sex offense, to enable you to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and those in your care from possible harm. Public access to registry information is intended solely for the protection of the public, and should never be used to threaten, intimidate or harass another.(See "Prohibitions on Misuse of Registry Information" below.)"

Other significant protections
mentioned only within New Jersey code (California is the only other state with similar protections):

Prohibitions on Misuse of Registry Information:
Consistent with this public safety purpose of Megan's Law, the Internet registry law expressly prohibits the use of registry information for the purpose of applying for, obtaining, or denying health insurance, insurance, loans, credit, education, scholarships or fellowships, benefits privileges or services provided by any business establishment (unless for a purpose consistent with the enhancement of public safety), or housing or accommodations.

The law also makes it a crime, punishable by a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine of up to $15,000, to use registry information to commit a criminal offense, and makes it a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, to use registry information to commit any disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense. These charges would be in addition to any charges related to the underlying criminal act committed.
If you believe that any of the information found in these records is in error, please contact the Division of State Police, Identification & Information Technology Section, P.O. Box 7068, West Trenton, New Jersey 08628, Phone (609) 882-2000, or the Prosecutor in the county where the offender resides. 5,151

 7,495

+45.5%		 10,464

+39.6%		 11,003

+5.1%		 11,078
New Mexico:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"WARNING: The information provided is intended for community safety purposes only and should not be used to threaten, intimidate, or harass."		 If you believe there is a question regarding the accuracy of the information provided, please notify the DPS at (505) 827-9193, or send us an e-mail. 450

 1,171

+160%		 1,864

+59.1%		 1,915

+2.7%		 1,985
New York:
(SEA w/trk)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 7,200

 11,575

+60.5%		 20,969

+81.1%		 22,209

+5.9%		 22,486
North Carolina:
(SEA)
14-277.3
99D-1		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"This information is made available for the purpose of protecting the public. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution."		 If you have reasonable proof that any of the information contained in these records is inaccurate, please contact the county sheriff's office of the county where offender resides. 2,200

 5,922

+169%		 10,244

+72.9%		 9,228

-9.9%		 9,704
North Dakota:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 683

 766

+12.1%		 801

+4.5%		 946

+18.1%		 919
Ohio:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 1,294

 5,423

+319.0%		 13,485

+148.0%		 13,750

+1.9%		 14,495
Oklahoma:
(SEA)
21-30-850
21-47A-1171
21-47A-1172
21-47A-1173
21-56-1314
21-55-1320.3
21-69-1760
21-69-1787		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Sex offender registry information shall not be used to retaliate against the registrants, their families, or their employers in any way. Vandalism, verbal or written threats of harm are illegal and will result in arrest and prosecution."		 Notice To Public: If you believe any information contained in this registry to be inaccurate, please do the following: A) Use the Search form at the left to locate the offender. B) Select and open the offender report. C) Press the button at the top of the report to post a note. -OR- Click here osor@doc.state.ok.us to send us an email message. Provide the information you believe to be correct, or a brief note. 2,303

 4,020

+74.5%		 5,507

+36.9%		 5,118

-7.1%		 5,120
Oregon:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"It is illegal to use information obtained through this web site to commit a crime against a registered sex offender or to engage in discrimination or harassment against a registered sex offender. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 7,400

 9,410

+27.1%		 15,259

62.1%		 17,160

+12.5%		 12,859
Pennsylvania:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"WARNING: ANY PERSON WHO USES THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS THE REGISTRANT OR THEIR FAMILY, OR WHO OTHERWISE MISUSES THIS INFORMATION, MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OR CIVIL LIABILITY."		 If you have a reasonable belief that any of the information on this website is outdated or incorrect, please contact the Megan's Law Section of the Pennsylvania State Police toll free at 1-866-771-3170. 2,400

 4,533

+88.8%		 7,199

+58.8%		 7,736

+7.45%		 8,054
Rhode Island:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"WARNING: Information contained on this website should not be used to threaten or harass any identified individual as such conduct may be prohibited under the general laws of Rhode Island."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 273

 1,424

+421%		 1,640

+15.1%		 1,352

-17.6%		 1,410
South Carolina:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information! 		No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 2,500

 4,924

+96.9%		 8,049

+63.5%		 8,556

+6.2%		 8,777
South Dakota:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"ANY PERSON WHO USES INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS ANY INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING REGISTRANTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS, OR WHO OTHERWISE MISUSES THIS INFORMATION, MAY BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. A violation is a Class 6 felony and the violator could be sentenced to the South Dakota State Penitentiary for up to two years and could be fined up to $4,000."		 If you believe that any of the information found in these records is in error, or you would like additional information, please contact the sheriff of the county or the chief of police of the city where the sex offender resides. 800

 1,182

+47.7%		 1,707

+44.4%		 1,993

+16.8%		 2,136
Tennessee:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Therefore, this information should not be used in any manner to injure, harass, or commit a criminal act against any person named in the registry. Any such action could subject you to criminal prosecution."		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 2,800

 4,561

+62.9%		 7,873

+72.6%		 8,561

+8.7%		 8,885
Texas:
(Useless SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 18,000

 29,494

+63.8%		 46,484

+57.6%		 44,336

-4.6%		 44,789
Utah:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"Pursuant to Utah Code Ann. Section 77-27-21.5(21)(b) and (c), members of the public are not allowed to publicize the information or use it to harass or threaten sex offenders or members of their families; and harassment, stalking, or threats against sex offenders or their families are prohibited and doing so may violate Utah criminal laws."		 If you believe that information on the web site is incorrect, please contact the Utah Department of Corrections, Sex Offender Registration Program at 14717 S Minuteman Dr, Draper, UT 84020 Attn. Machelle Rodriguez or sending e-mail. 4,733

 5,192

+9.6%		 8,000

+54.0%		 6,904

-13.7%		 8,182
Vermont:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 877

 1,509

+72.1%		 2,226

+47.5%		 2,340

+5.1%		 2,229
Virginia:
18.2-152.7:1		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 If you believe the information contained on this site is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry or call (804) 674-6750. 6,615

 9,306

+40.7%		 13,211

+42.0%		 12,152

-8.0%		 12,031
Washington:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
PROMINENT:"THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO THREATEN, INTIMIDATE, OR HARASS. MISUSE OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION."
Due to the sensitive nature of this information, activity on this site is monitored.
 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 1,400

 15,304

+993.0%		 18,557

+21.3%		 18,790

+17.4%		 18,963
West Virginia:
(SEA)
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
Not PROMINENT:"The information accessed through the use of this website may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders and violations of law will be investigated by the West Virginia State Police."		 If you believe that information contained within this site is not correct, you are encouraged to contact the Registry at (304) 746-2133 or e-mail us. 600

 950

+58.3%		 2,220

+133.7%		 2,500

+12.6%		 2,450
Wisconsin:
940.32		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!

---1-800 telephone access only---		 No prominent method for correction of errors upon entering the registry. Also, no address, phone number or e-mail address is provided to make corrections. 10,000

 11,999

+19.9%		 17,169

+43.0%		 17,887

+4.2%		 18,147
Wyoming:
..:		 See Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations
No prominent "Warning Message" upon entering the Registry or before searching for an offender's information!		 If you discover any information on our pages, which you believe to be inaccurate, please inform us. 552

 682

+23.5%		 929

+36.2%		 981

+4.2%		 991
TOTALS : : 263,166

 386,112

+46.7%		 551,987

+42.9%		 540,846

-2.0%		 566,782
Sources and additional color coding:

DOJ: Summary of State Sex Offender Registries, 2001 (Table 2) Dep't of Justice Study 03/02 NCJ 192265
PFML: Parents for Megans Law website, 2005 and 2006 Figures (accessed on 8-15-06)
NCMC: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, March 8, 2006 figures
##: Massachusetts: The 2001 count is not included due to a superior court injunction against the Sex Offender Registry Board, prohibiting registration without first providing the offender a hearing. Massachusetts estimated about 17,000 sex offenders to be qualified to register at the time of the survey.


You arrived here because you chose either w/wo SEA -OR- Laws, see the following:


w/wo SEA: With/Without a "Security Entry Agreement (SEA)" page.

Type-1: When you enter a state registry website many states merely expect you are going to lookup an offender and offer no advise, warnings, or disclaimers before allowing you to proceed.

Type-2: However, other states have a page of explanation which they want you to read before searching for an offender, yet they DO NOT STOP you from proceeding to search for a offender. A poor form of a "Security Entry Agreement."

Type-3: A few states force you to "I Accept" or "I Do Not Accept" the terms of use of the offender information, and will not allow you to search for an offender unless you click on the "I Agree" choice. This is the second strongest form of a "Security Entry Agreement."

Type-4: (SEA w/Trk) (SEA with Requestor Tracking) Only one state requires a requestor to provide: The identity of the requestor and other information, then acts like a Type-3 site. There is no stronger access agreement than this, assuming the requestor information is valid and not false. At very least the state will have the machine number submitting the request.

Before the Adam Walsh Act (AWA) states had no mandatory requirement to warn the public of anything. States that have failed to include any form of warning have taken the attitude that, we don't care what happens to those registered. Yes, that is pretty much the attitude of the general public anyway.

However, there have been significant cases of vigilantism and many ending in the death of the registrant. Over time some states added these warning messages to let the public know that such vigilantism is not allowed. This is a half hearted attempt to protect the registrants even though it is not working and these messages need to be stronger and have teeth.

A few states have added LOCKED Security Entry Agreements (Type-3) prohibiting access unless one agrees to the terms of what is displayed.

Accordingly, when you see a state with a (SEC) below its name, it means that state has a Type-2 -or- Type-3 Security Entry Agreement to access its website. Further, ALL states typically collect information about folks that access their websites. See New Hampshire below.

Information typically collected automatically when you visit a registry website:

What information about users does the State of New Hampshire collect through its Web sites?

What information is collected automatically?

The following information is collected and stored automatically from all users accessing State of New Hampshire Web sites:

The Internet domain (for example, "xcompany.com" if you use a private Internet access account, or "yourschool.edu" if you connect from a university's domain) and Internet Protocol (IP) address from which you access our site;

The type of hardware, browser and operating system used to access our site;

The date and time you access our site;

The number of bytes of data transmitted during your visit;

Transaction and routing information to and from your computer;

The pages you visit; and

If you linked to our site from another Web site, the address of that Web site (URL).

This information is used for purposes such as assessing what information is of most interest to users and system enhancements.


Laws: Harassment, Stalking, Cyber-Stalk, Mischief, Vandalism, Threats, etc.

The list of laws shown for each state represent laws that most registered offenders and their families would be concerned with due to the problems they face in their lives under Megan's laws. The list represents what we could find in those states. Only seeing a lawyer will folks be able to find all that may fit their circumstances. We tried to find laws that covered civil rights, harassment, stalking, unlawful assembly (protests outside private residences), disturbing the peace, mischief, vandalism, threats and threatening behavior. The major crimes (burglary, robbery, auto theft, etc.) are not shown.


How does one go about filing complaints when someone in the community violates the state registry warning prohibitions?
Necessary when RSOs or their families are being harassed, stalked, suffer vandalism, or other property damages.


Coming: Filing Complaints of WARNING Violations:


Note: Registries of California, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma include more than just sex offenders. i.e., violent offenders, arson offenders, etc.

Note: Indicates the 'Percentage of Change' was minus. This color overrides color signifying 'registries with more than sex offender' coloring.


Large Swings in Numbers/Percentages of Registered Sex Offenders in Reporting Years Shown

It is important to note that I DO NOT attribute all the swings in numbers (percentages) of RSOs reported, to double, triple, quadruple accounting of RSOs (See next commentary). I do recognize that over the years state legislatures have added crimes to the list of crimes requiring registration. I also know that in several states, Tennessee for one, that some RSOs have been removed from those registries because those folks have termed out and no longer have to register or simply will not appear on the public registry (California). I also note that due to residency laws (ex: Iowa) some sex offenders will be forced to move to other states, or rural areas, and others go underground.

New York's Governor Pataki Press Release 1-5-2006: "Under current law, on January 21, 2006, level 1 and level 2 sex offenders who have been on the New York State Sex Offender Registry for ten years will no longer be listed, and in 2009, certain level 3 sex offenders would have the ability to petition to have their name taken off of the registry." Note: It says, names come off the registry, but it does not say they will no longer be in the state's accounting numbers. Remember, if they remove them from the registry the state loses income.

Thousands removed from Internet sex crime registry, by Gary Craig. "New York state officials have had to remove information of more than 2,000 sex offenders from the Internet sex offender registry -- or nearly a quarter of the offenders added to the state registry in recent weeks. This month, state officials added almost 8,600 people to the Internet registry because of new legislation expanding the Web listings. Those offenders new to the Web site are designated Level 2 offenders -- or men and women considered at moderate risk of committing new sex crimes. Before the addition, only Level 3 offenders -- those deemed the highest risk -- were on the Web site. But New York City-based U.S. District Judge Denny Chin ruled this week that state officials had stepped outside the bounds of a settlement from a 1996 lawsuit over who would and would not be on the sex offender registry. In that 2004 pact, state officials agreed that Level 1 -- considered the least risky -- and Level 2 offenders who were on the registry in 1996 would not have to continue to register after a decade. ..."
The current system used by states seems to be wrong and does not make allowances for these normal occurrences, but states are quick to blame the registrants because states do not want the public to think that states are doing anything incorrectly. When folks, such as Parent's for Megan's laws, make their phone calls to states for their surveys, it is my guess (based upon what they show on their website) that all they ask the state for is, how many are registered as of the date of the phone call. The states and the system used by PFML does not reflect standard accounting methods, or even logical ones. Their number is as of a point in time in history, a step away from useless! What about those within registry records, but, have died, been deported, moved to other states, or are double counted (ex: college folks), or are in jails or prisons (some states include them in registry numbers)? At some point in time Congress, will be forced by the public, to report the truth and implement a proper accounting system. When is unknown.


Double/Triple/Quadruple Counting of the number Registered Sex Offenders Nationally

The evolution of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006:

The initially act was HR-3132 `Children's Safety Act of 2005' which the House passed and sent to the Senate and died in the Senate. Then Rep. Sensenbrenner morphed HR-3132 into a new bill HR-4472 `Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2006' which the House passed on 3-8-2006 and sent to the Senate. The Senate had serious concerns with HR-4472 and they developed their own version and passed it on 5-4-2006, it was called S-1086-ES `Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act' sending it to the House. A stalemate, the House did not pass the Senate version.

Both the House and the Senate knew they were at an impasse and that the President wanted something passed before election time. So off they went behind closed doors and not allowing the public to provide any input they created the HR-4472-ENR `Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006' which the Senate passed on 7-20-2006, then the House passed it on 7-25-2006, so that it could be signed by the President on 7-27-2006 the Anniversary of the murder of Adam Walsh (an unsolved crime to this date, so it is not known whether any sex offender was involved in his murder).

Now, the entire "Sec. 106" from the Senate S-1086-ES was brought forward to the Adam Walsh EXCEPT Sec 106(c) shown below.

So it begs two questions:
1) Why would they not want the public to know how many registered sex offenders nationally?
2) Why would they not want to ensure that registered sex offenders (RSO) are not being double-counted?

Well, neither question is relevant but logically inferred by the withdrawn section 106(c), what they do not want revealed is, that what politicians the media and oodles of other folks have been touting "there are over 500,000 sex offenders nationally" is most certainly incorrect. Revealing such a fact, just before elections, would cause chaos and many might not be re-elected, hence section 106(c) was deleted from the Adam Walsh Act.

Throughout the Internet and in the media the sources of these figures has been Parents for Megan's Law and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, neither of which do I believe has done anything wrong. The real source of the problem is in the way states account for RSOs. A few examples, some noted by the article "Ghosts in the Machine," are:

A) It is a well known fact that many RSOs move around frequently, the registry causes that but most will not admit that. When they register in the new jurisdiction then they are registered in two places, then several states enacted laws to require RSOs to report to both jurisdictions to correct the records. First, no one took care of what had happened up to that point (California was missing 33,000 and somehow that was cleared up, by quietly correcting the double postings when they realized what was going on [see: 4-5-2003 California].). Second, some offenders moved state to state looking for a better life, again double counted by being in both registries (to show from and to). Another is an even bigger problem, college RSOs who move (technically) for a semester then back at the end of the semester, double counted. There are numerous other ways that this occurs. Congress recognized these circumstances and inserted into the Adam Walsh Act Sec. 119(b) "Electronic Forwarding," computerized notification of all jurisdictions of any change to a RSOs record.

B) The requirement to register where a person resides, works, and goes to school; that could be up to 3 jurisdictions, up to triple counting. Then some jurisdictions require registration if a person is only going to be there "temporarily," couple that with residence, work, and school, up to quadruple counting. There have been many news reports of local jurisdictions (with their own registry) showing one number of registered offenders and that disagreeing with what the state shows. Nothing in the Adam Walsh act seems to resolve these conflicts.

C) The research done by the journalist in "Ghosts in the Machine" was stunning, proof that the dead cannot get up out of their grave to provide the state with a death certificate to have their name removed (Florida requires that death certificate for removal of a name). Also proving that those who are incarcerated, after registering, cannot leave incarceration to correct the local jurisdiction's records. Nothing in the Adam Walsh act seems to resolve these conflicts.

There is no doubt in this writer's mind that, the -failure to include- Sec. 106(c) of the Adam Walsh Act, is proof that they do not want the public to know the truth, one could even infer it was a cover-up, PR damage control, or to permit the sound bites to continue to garner votes at election time. Are there over 100,000 missing sex offenders -OR- are there over 100,000 "Ghost Numbers?" Remember the states receive federal grant money -annually- based upon the number of registered offenders they have (Title 42 Section 14071(i)(2)(B)). What do you think?

S-1086-ES SEC. 106. PARTICIPATING STATE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRIES.

(c) Publication of Number of Offenders Registered-
(1) IN GENERAL- Every 6 months, the Attorney General shall collect from each State information on the total number of covered individuals included in the registry maintained by that State.

(2) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY AND CONTENTS- The Attorney General shall--
(A) release information under paragraph (1) to the public in a manner consistent with this title; and

(B) include in such a release the number of individuals within each tier and the number of individuals who are in compliance with this title within each tier.

(3) DOUBLE-COUNTING- In reporting information collected under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that offenders are not being double-counted.
#: The Fleecing of America: Are States Using Sex Offender Registries for Profiteering? (11-27-05 by eAdvocate)

Excess funds received by Florida for including people not in their communities.
Reason: No. Offenders: % of Total Registry (36,037) on 11-16-2005
Reported Dead: 541 1.5%
Deported: 807 2.2%
Moved Out of State: 7,173 19.9%
In Jails/Prisons: 8,260 22.9%
TOTAL FUNDING EXCESS: 16,781 46.6%
Source: Extrapolated from news article "Ghosts in the Machine," article about the bloating of the Florida Sex Offender Registry.


According to Florida's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) as of November 7, 2005 the Florida registry was overstated by approximately 48%, the registry shows 36,037 and in reality, removing the dead, there were 18,787 living in the community. see Appendix B


News & Noteworthy © --- Featured Issue 9-5-06
How Real is the threat of vigilantism?
POLL: 22% of the voting public believe in "Vigilantism," that when a person is ACCUSED of child molestation, murdering the ACCUSED is acceptable WITHOUT proof of the molestation!
8-31-2006 Connecticut: Lawyer accused in stabbing death of neighbor:   Father allegedly suspected neighbor of molesting his young daughter
.A lawyer in this quiet suburban community was charged with killing a 58-year-old neighbor he suspected had molested his 2-year-old daughter, prompting police to investigate whether the molestation actually occurred. "We have no indication it's true or not true," Capt. Gary MacNamara said Wednesday, adding that authorities had not received a complaint about the neighbor before the killing. Jonathon Edington is accused of stabbing neighbor Barry James to death on Monday after his wife told him that James had inappropriate contact with the child.

"The daughter gave the mother information which was alarming and disturbing. The mom relayed it to her husband. That was the spark," said Edington's attorney, Michael Sherman. Police said Edington, 29, climbed through James' bedroom window and stabbed him nearly a dozen times in the chest. James' 87-year-old mother, who lives in the house, discovered his body. Peter Ambrose, an attorney for James' family, said the molestation claim is unsubstantiated. "There's nothing that would arouse any suspicion," Ambrose told The Associated Press on Thursday. "It's totally without precedent. It's just unfounded. It comes as a complete surprise to his family."

Police had gone to the neighborhood before, when Edington called to complain that he could see James through a window, police said. "Either he was partly clothed or revealed parts of his anatomy that were inappropriate," MacNamara said. Edington, a graduate of Syracuse University and Fordham University Law School, has no criminal record, police said. James served two days in prison in May 2001 on a drunken driving charge, according to the state Department of Correction. Pat Wysocki, a neighbor who has known the James family for 39 years, described Barry James as a "very nice fellow" who worked for a funeral home and said she found it hard to believe he would molest a child. "But then again, you don't know," she said. ..more.. : by Associated Press

8-31-06 POLL QUESTION: A father is accused of murdering a man he suspected of molesting his young daughter. Is he justified? (Poll now gone from MSNBC website)

Out of 9,787 responses at the point I looked at it (another reader saw 11,400+ same %):

22% Yes, I would have done the same.

42% No. There was no proof the molestation had occurred, but had it been confirmed, the murder would have been justified.

36% No. It's never acceptable to take the law into your own hands.

.Congress and State legislatures seem to take a cavalier attitude towards the protection of registered sex offenders (RSOs), their families and those they come into contact with daily. Some states simply have no warnings, and the majority look more at protecting the state from liability with disclaimers, before protecting RSOs from harm, by embedding 'warning message' within disclaimer messages.

There is no real effort to make the public aware that they should not harm RSOs and their families. In fact, the majority of politicians generally use fearmonngering tactics to scare the public about RSOs making RSO's daily lives more threatening. Politicians refuse to distinguish between new offenders and past offenders in their messages to the public.

Interesting is, that the very purpose of Megans' laws is to make the public aware of, what is thought to be a "potential threat" registered sex offenders (RSOs) may be to certain persons in society. No thought is given to the "potential threat" the public may be towards registrants or their families.

The Department of Justice study showed that 5.3% of released sex offenders were re-arrested for another sex crime within three years after being released from prison. Another study shows that recidivism rates go down significantly as offenders get older. However, the poll taken with respect to the news article on the right shows, that 22% of society is willing to kill a child molester on a mere accusation of a sex crime, and 42% more say murdering an accused sex offender is justified if they had a prior sex offense.

Based on pure numbers: The U.S. Census Bureau reports for 2005 there are 215,130,080 adults (over 18) in the nation. Assuming only those persons voted in the survey in question, then 22% (47,328,617) PLUS 43% (92,505,934) or 139,834,551 represent "potential threats" to RSOs and their families. If I were to use the DOJ recidivism percentage of 5.3% and Parent's for Megan's laws accounting of RSOs in the nation 540,846 or 28,664 RSOs represent a "potential threat" to society. RSOs and their families face a real and present danger daily. Congress presumes it can dispell that threat by a mere warning message which has no teeth.


Registered Sex Offenders are a hated class of offenders:

There is no doubt that because of Megans' laws RSOs have become today's most hated class of persons in society. Daily they suffer -real and subtle- threats, vandalism, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, they are stalked by the law under the color of law by society, criminal acts against them are a way of life. Their families also suffer the same because of being associated with them, and that includes their children who are regularly isolated from their peers.

The suffering is no different -in kind- than the suffering of those who are likewise hated because of their race, religion, disability, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Suffering becomes wrong when it is administered not as a result of punishment for a wrong done under the law, but instead, as the result of a new act -in today's light- by another person. (Note: Because I know this will also be raised "what about the victims of their original crimes," I will respond, that the unfortunate fact is that the victim's suffering has been factored into the offender's punishment by the judge at sentencing.)


Reporting System for Hate Crimes:

Congress and State Legislatures have provided a mechanism for recording hate and bias crimes (crimes based on motivation) based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, but not for acts against RSOs who are complying with the law or acts against their innocent family members.

The Hate Crime Statistics Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-275) required the establishment of a system to provide information on the nature and prevalence of hate crimes. In the 2005 "Hate Crime Reported by Victims and Police is an excellent description of what a "bias crime" is vs a "hate crime." The annual "National Crime Victims Survey" needs to be modified to accommodate these acts which result from Megan's laws. (see: page 21 question 162, add category (g) based upon being a registered sex offender or family member of one). Hate crimes that respondents report in the NCVS are based on victims’ perceptions of why they became crime victims; likewise should be acts against RSOs and their families.


What should registered sex offenders and their families do?

Until RSOs and their families begin "Filing Complaints of Megan's law WARNING Violations" with their local agencies, and begin annoying Congress and State Legislators, then life will not change, but at some point politicians will do something based on, how much pressure they receive.

Note: Thanks to the reader for correcting my misplaced decimal. Opps!
eAdvocate (Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved)
News & Noteworthy: Articles Concerning Sex Offender Issues ©
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News & Noteworthy: Articles Concerning Sex Offender Issues ©
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"There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one striking at the root." - Henry David Thoreau -
"I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life." RR