Could a convicted sex offender or child molester be living in your Washington, DC neighborhood? While we cannot eliminate all potential dangers to our children, we must be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. The Sex Offender Registry Act of 1999 established a sex offender registry program for the District of Columbia, adopting a version of “Megan’s Law,” which requires the notification process when a sex offender is released from jail. or when they are on probation. Look up to the sex offenders in Washington, DC.
What is Megan’s Law?
Megan Kanka was a 7-year-old girl who was brutally raped and murdered by a twice convicted sex offender, who lived across the street from her in New Jersey. In 1994, Governor Christine Todd Whitman signed “Megan’s Law” requiring convicted sex offenders to register with the local police. President Clinton signed the law in May 1996.
What types of crimes require registration?
Offenses that require registration include serious sexual assault (regardless of the victim’s age); a crime of sexual abuse or exploitation of minors; or sexual abuse of neighborhoods, patients or clients.
What information is provided about sex offenders?
The DC Sex Offender Registry provides the sex offender’s name, date of birth, physical address, place of employment (if known), the crime for which the sex offender was convicted, and a photograph of the sex offender (if available ).
What does this list mean to me and my family?
In general, it means that your family needs to understand who sex offenders are, who they live nearby, and that your family members need to take basic safety precautions. Talk to your children about strangers and go over safety tips with them. Almost all sex offenders who are sentenced to jail are eventually released and go back to living and working in the community. The police department does not have the authority to direct where a sex offender can live, work, or attend school. Knowing that sex offenders live in the area does not give anyone the right to harass them, destroy their property, threaten them, or commit any other criminal act against them.
How do I get more information?
If you have additional questions about the sex offender registry, contact the Metropolitan Police Department, Sex Offender Registry Unit, (202) 727-4407.
