National Sex Offender List Going Online

July 22, 2005

How many registered sex offenders are living in your neighborhood?

If you don't know, the Justice Department has put together a new Website where you can track sex offenders.

The National Sex Offender Public Registry will be able to give you an up close and personal look at the convicted sexual predators within striking distance of your family.

"It's all about providing as much information as we can to families regarding dangerous people that might reside in their neighborhoods," said Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez.

Gonzalez says the online registry is an important tool for parents.

"Families need to have information to fully protect their children," he said.

"In some states, there are only the most serious offenders, the highest risk offenders on their Websites. In other states every offender is on the Website," said Ernie Allen of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Right now, 22 states are listed on the National Sex Offender Public Registry. Records for all states should be online by the end of the year.

Washington State is not on the Website yet, but all states are expected to be accessible by the end of the year.

Link to registry: http://www.nsopr.gov

KIROTV.com