How to Check for Neighborhood Sex Offenders

All sex offenders are required to register with the state where they are living. Most states require them to register annually. Several agencies keep track of where they are living and working. Since this is public knowledge, you are allowed to access this information to see if you have a sex offender living in your neighborhood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go online and search for registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Family Watchdog, Sex Criminals or the Megan's Law websites offer a list of sex offenders in your neighborhood.
2. Contact the FBI for your state if there is no online database. There are 16 states do not list their sex offenders online.
3. Call your local law enforcement agency. Someone there can give you the information on the sex offenders in your area.
4. Learn about the laws regarding sex offenders. Klaaskids Foundation gives you information on laws regarding sex crimes toward children. It also offers tips to keep your child safer.
5. Sign up for updates. Most of the websites that offer sex offender information will contact you via email or text message if a registered sex offender moves into your neighborhood.

Tips & Warnings

• Statistics show child molesters are more than 50 percent likely to be arrested again for the same type of crime.