MEGAN'S LAW
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.
Members of the public are welcome to view the Megan's Law files at the Sheriff’s Eden Township Substation (15001 Foothill Blvd., San Leandro) from 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m, Monday-Friday. No addresses are given but registrants can be searched by zip code, name, or physical description. To view the files you must be at least 18 years old, present a California driver's license or ID card, sign a request form, and not be a 290 registrant yourself.
California Sex Offender Information ("900" Line)
By calling 1-900-463-0400 the public can learn if a person is a registered sex offender. To access the 900 line, the caller must be at least 18 years of age and not a registered sex offender. The cost is $10 per call for inquires on up to two individuals. When making a phone inquiry, the caller first receives a recorded message providing instructions, information on restrictions and charges, and a notice to report any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate local authorities. The caller is then routed to a Department of Justice specialist and asked to provide specific self identifying information (name, date of birth, address, Social Security Number and drivers license number). The caller is also asked to state the number of persons who may be at risk based on exposure to the individual in question. Based on the identifying information provided, the specialist verifies that the caller is not a registered sex offender. To initiate a search, the caller is asked to provide the following information on the individual(s) in question:
- name and
- exact date of birth, or
- Social Security number or
- California driver's license, identification number. (if the caller is out of state, the individual’s name, Social Security or other identification number must be provided.)
If the requested information is not available, the caller must provide the individual’s name and five of the following physical descriptors:
- eye color
- hair color
- height
- weight
- race
- scars, marks or tattoos
This page last updated:
May 16, 2008
|
