1. Public Information on the Internet Megan’s Law and its Legacy

2. State Differences in Information Delivery  Publicly accessible Internet databases  Publicly accessible databases at police stations  No current public database  http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/ http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

3. North Carolina Sex Offender & Public Protection Agency  http://ncregistry.ncsbi.gov/(S(akgd5 t4503li0i55fkrr1muh))/search.aspx http://ncregistry.ncsbi.gov/(S(akgd5 t4503li0i55fkrr1muh))/search.aspx http://ncregistry.ncsbi.gov/(S(akgd5 t4503li0i55fkrr1muh))/search.aspx

4. Extent of Information Collected  In some states, such as California, the information goes beyond physical characteristics and place of residence and includes DNA samples & fingerprints  NameEye ColorDescription of OffensesIdentifying Info  AliasesHair ColorLocation of OffensesBlood  Date of BirthSSNDate of ConvictionSaliva  Place of BirthHome AddressPalm PrintDNA Sample  SexWork AddressDrivers License #  RaceOccupationVehicle License Plate  HeightPhotoVehicle Description  WeightFingerprintsCriminal History

5. Myth of Vigilantism  Information already publicly available  Very few cases of vigilantism against sex offenders  Sex offenders watched most carefully  http://www.kron4.com/Global/story. asp?S=3812755 http://www.kron4.com/Global/story. asp?S=3812755 http://www.kron4.com/Global/story. asp?S=3812755

6. Vigilante Justice  In most states, the issue of vigilante justice or people seeking revenge for sexual offenses is so prevalent there is a notice on the entrance to the registry.

7. Prevention Effectiveness  New Jersey vs. Federal Megan’s Law  Active self-protection most effective  Databases need better exposure  http://sbi.jus.state.nc.us/DOJHAHT/ SOR/MainText.htm http://sbi.jus.state.nc.us/DOJHAHT/ SOR/MainText.htm http://sbi.jus.state.nc.us/DOJHAHT/ SOR/MainText.htm

8. Effectiveness in Preventing Recidivism  Reoffense patterns are largely dependent on what the original offense was  Sexual assault is a vastly under-reported crime  In 1966-1969 study, of 231 offenders placed on probation, 11% were arrested again for sexually-based offenses and 54% were arrested again for any offense.

9. Privacy at Risk?  Information of convicted sex offenders only  Already public information  Forfeiture of privacy rights  http://www.freeprf.com/ http://www.freeprf.com/

10. Double Jeopardy or Safety Measure?  Information access vs. punishment  Helps prevent repeat offenses  Suspects at large

11. Constitutional Rights  Right to Privacy  Right to Due Process  Ex Post Facto

12. Anonymity and the Internet  Public databases on internet anonymously accessed  Creates problems of tracking effectiveness  Less anonymity helps ensure serious use

13. Issue of Ease and Anonymity  While available in some states through in-person visits to the public records, most require written requests stating intentions and reasons behind inquiry  OR… completely anonymous searches driven by boredom, alterior motives, etc.

14. Accuracy  Necessity of registration enforcement  More active update and removal of erroneous and outdated data  Classification of offenses

15. Accuracy and Misunderstandings  Case of Dallas man with Downs Syndrome living in previous home of a convicted sex offender.  Case of Chevy Lee Jones, 16 with 14 year old girlfriend, who was convicted by girlfriend’s father when he turned 18 of taking indecent liberties with a child.

16. Public Information in General  White Pages  Google Earth  Online Searches