__________________________________________Ask the DA
 

I am a parent and would like to know how I can find out if a sex offender is living in my neighborhood? 

Each year too many of our children fall prey to sexual abuse at the hands of strangers or people they know. Since sexual assault can be a repetitive crime, it is very important for us to keep track of sex offenders and notify the community of their whereabouts. 

In 1996, New York enacted the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). The law requires convicted sex offenders to register their addresses and other identifying information with the State’s Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). It also provides ways for people to learn if any sex offender has moved into their neighborhood. 

Under the law, individuals convicted of sex offenses must register their addresses annually with DCJS and report any changes of address within ten days. Sex offenders are assigned risk level classifications based upon their likelihood to re-offend and the risk they pose to the community. Depending upon their assigned risk levels, in addition to reporting annually, offenders may have to appear in person every 90 days to verify their addresses. Community notification can be made about the whereabouts of those offenders who have been assigned high risk levels. Their names are also posted on DCJS’s Web site at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us.  

To learn whether any sex offenders are living in your neighborhood, call the New York State Sex Offender Registry at 1-800-262-3257; go to DCJS’s Web site  and click on “New York Subdirectory of Registered Sex Offenders;” or go to your local police precinct and ask to look at the Subdirectory. 

My office has prepared a very informative booklet, “What Every Parent Needs to Know,” which explains how SORA works. You can download the booklet from our Web site  at www.brooklynda.org. You can also obtain a copy by calling 718-250-2555.  

Remember, the most important thing you can do to prevent your children from being sexually victimized is to educate them. Let them know how important it is to be careful around strangers, and encourage them to tell you about anything or anyone who causes them alarm or discomfort. Be vigilant and supervise your children at all times. Finally, if you encounter any situations that cause you concern, do not hesitate to talk to the police.

For more information please visit the office’s Web site at www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.