MEGAN'S LAW HISTORY In 1995, a convicted child molester was arrested for the murder and rape of 7-year-old Megan Kanka in a New Jersey suburb. The offender lived right across the street from the Kanka residence; however, the Police Department was prohibited from disclosing the presence of this child molester because at the time the law did not allow the release of sex offender information to the public.
The law, dubbed ??Megan??s Law?, was changed to permit the release
of this information to the public. California??s version of Megan??s Law
went into effect on September 25, 1996. This law was implemented to allow potential victims to protect themselves and allow parents to protect their children.
MEGANS LAW COMPUTER ACCESS MEGANS LAW INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE VIA THE INTERNET
The public no longer needs to call a fee for service number or visit their local law enforcement agency to view the statewide Megans Law directory. The California State Attorney General maintains a website that provides statewide information on registered sex offenders. That website, http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov includes those offenders registered in Sierra County. The website is updated daily from information provided by local law enforcement agencies statewide, including this office.
While a very useful tool, Sierra County Sheriff Lee Adams warns that society should not view Megans law as a solution to a complex problem. Adams supports quotes from New Jersey state Deputy Attorney General Jessica S. Oppenheim Megans law is not the only answer. This is just one more tool in your toolbox to protect your children from sexual abuse. If you view this as a panacea, then youre just deluding yourself.
Likewise, Attorney General Bill Lockyer adds on the website a cautionary note that Not all sex offenders have been caught and convicted. Most sex offenses are committed by family, friends, or acquaintances of the victim. Adds the sheriff: None of these resources will ever replace a parents good vigilance regarding their children. If you feel something is wrong, trust your personal instincts and become extra vigilant.
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Updated on 2008-02-13 16:50:08 by Sheriff
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