Oregon Lists Predatory Sex Offenders Online (finally)

July 5th, 2006

While this is a less-than-savory subject to cover on a real estate blog, for some of my clients, the proximity of sex offenders in their prospective neighborhoods is certainly a germane issue.

Unfortunately, Oregon is (was) one of only two states in the union (South Dakota, the other) without a convenient online database, forcing concerned citizens to call the State Police for a list of released convicts in their area.

On June 29, the Oregon State Police launched the first Internet site for the state listing the names, addresses and photographs of the most dangerous sex offenders living in Oregon.

Well, sort of.

Only 700 out of 14,500 registered sex-cons show up in the website at this point. A legal challenge to the term ‘predatory’ (along with budget constraints) delayed the launch of the State’s site, and for now, is limiting the list by not including the names of serious offenders released from prison since February 2005.

Offenders in the list at this point will be identified by their physical description, residential address, photo, description of the crime(s) committed, and a description of their vehicle.

It’s an incomplete start, but a start nonetheless. You can look up your address (including a map search) at http://sexoffenders.oregon.gov. For a complete list (without photos), you’ll still need to call the Oregon State Police at 503-378-3725, ext. 4429.

Additional coverage by The Oregonian.

Technorati Tags: sex offender, Oregon, website, neighborhoods

Photo: abardwell

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