With so much recent news coverage of child abductions and crimes committed by sexual predators, there is increased focus on public access to sex offender databases. Fortunately, the Internet can help you determine if there is a dangerous sexual predator living in your town.

Most U.S. states have searchable offender databases online, which you can find here:

http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/register.htm

I asked my teenage daughter if she had heard of this registry, and she said "Oh yeah, a former teacher at my elementary school is in there." We looked him up, and sure enough, he's in there with a mugshot, current address, along with the make, model and license plate of the truck he drives.

Outside the USA

For Canadians, the news is less encouraging. In December 2004, the government announced SOIRA, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, and a National Sex Offender Registry. Unforunately, this database will only be accessible by police agencies. For info, see:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/techops/nsor/index_e.htm

And in the UK, a project known as ViSOR (Violent & Sex Offender Register) is currently being rolled out, but will be accessible only by law enforcement. Here's a link for more information:

http://www.pito.org.uk/what_we_do/intelligence_investigation/visor.htm

In my research, I found that some local provinces, counties and cities do have online searchable databases, so even if there is no national registry or database in your country, your local officials may be providing this info either online or by request.

Internet Safety Tips

Surely you've heard stories about kids who met someone online, decided to meet them in person, and it turned out badly. It's so important to tell your kids to NEVER reveal any personal information without your permission. My friend Joel Comm has written an ebook called "Internet Safety Secrets" which is being offered as a free download. I recommend that you read this guide if you have kids with access to the Internet.

http://www.safetysurf.com/internetsafety.pdf