Who Would Have to Register?
All of the fifty states are required to register convicted individuals who are convicted of certain sex crimes. However, individuals that have been convicted of more violent crimes are generally required to remain on the list for a longer period of time and to ensure that their address is updated more frequently.
How to Use the Sex Offender Registry to Ensure a Safe Work Environment or to Keep Kids Safe?
There are various uses of the sex offender registry. It can either be used by employers or parents to ensure that others are safe. If one discovers a registered sex offender, then they can take steps to ensure that their family is safe.
This opportunity should be used to have a conversation with children about interacting with unknown people and to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Explain to the kids why it is important to stay away from someone who has been listed on the registry. Furthermore, advise them on how to be safe.
Rules Sex Offenders Must Follow
Many states have different law to restrict where a sex offender lives. Learn more about these rules. For instance, sex offenders are not allowed to live near schools or day care agencies. Visit the state sex offender registry website in order to learn more about the details depending on where one lives. There are many community meetings that are conducted in various areas whenever updates of registered or newly registered offenders are received.
Precautions
If one employs babysitters or caretakers to watch the kids, then they need to be provided with a list of people that are not allowed to be near the children or at home. In case any suspicious behavior is seen, it should be reported immediately. Contact the local law enforcement agency or the parole officer and let them know.
What is the role of the Federal Government?
The federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) had been enacted to set the national standard when it comes to sex offender registration and notification within the United States.
Through the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, 2006, SORNA had been established. The requirements set by these serve the baseline which all of the states should meet. In addition to the conditions set by SORNA, the state governments are allowed to go beyond what has been set and even create additional requirements.
What Does an Offender Who Has Not Been Registered Go Through?
Failure to register as a sex offender is considered to be a federal offense. However, the system for enforcing registration is somewhat imperfect. It is due to this reason that there are many perpetrators out there that do not register or update their information despite the terms of their sentence. In case, the unregistered sex offender is discovered and convicted of a new violent federal crime, they would be sentenced to a further of up to 30 years.