With the
ongoing newspaper coverage regarding release of information
about convicted sex offenders living in the community, you
might want to know the district’s policies on this
subject. When the district receives notification from law
enforcement agencies indicating a sex offender is living
in our district, this information is shared with staff
members so they may be aware and alert. We’ll also send notices to parents.
There are also several ways that you,
as a resident, can learn if there is an offender living in
our community. The New York State Department of Criminal
Justice maintains a Web site that lists high-risk (Level 3)
offenders. In most cases, the information includes names,
aliases, addresses, photos and details of the convictions.
The site can be reached at
http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/. In
addition, the state offers the sex offender registry by
phone at (900) 288-3838. Please note that there is a $0.50
charge for up to five searches.
"If residents do not have access
to a computer or phone and would like to access this
information, they’re welcome to use our facilities," said
Superintendent Dr. Leon Reed. "We believe that educating
parents about how to stay properly informed is the right
way to go."
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The dissemination of information
about convicted sex offenders was part of the Sex Offender
Registration Act, more commonly known as Megan’s Law. The
law requires sex offenders convicted of certain specified
crimes to register with the state and that communities be
alerted to their presence whenever possible.
Convicted sex offenders are
classified using a three-tier system – Level 1 (low risk
for re-offending), Level 2 (moderate risk) or Level 3
(highest risk). The risk level assignment determines how
much notification is given to the public and/or law
enforcement agencies.
For more information, please call
the Superintendent’s Office at 695-3255, ext. 3242.
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