NCJ Number
170706
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1997) Pages: 86,88-89
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews community notification laws and public disclosure policies regarding data on convicted sexual predators and child molesters.
Abstract
Law enforcement and correctional agencies are responsible for making information about the offender population available to the public. A 1994 Federal law requires States to establish registries of convicted sexual predators and child molesters. Local governments are responsible to implement these public disclosure requirements without bringing unintended harm to innocent citizens. The law enforcement and correctional agencies responsible for placing information in public registries should determine: (1) which agency has lead responsibility; (2) what information is required; (3) which agency is responsible for reporting what information; (4) what information is constant and what is likely to change; (5) accuracy of information to be published; (6) the method or methods by which the information will be publicized; and (7) the logistics of publication and cost.