As of March 31, 2003, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety's Sex Offender Registry is once again online. The database of more than 4,000 sex offenders who reside in Connecticut is searchable by last name, town or zip code. It is also possible to generate a list of all Registered Sex Offenders.
State law requires that all persons convicted of sex crimes register with the state at the time they are released from prison. Also required to register are those found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Public availability of this information, however, has been a matter of long-standing legal debate. In fact, Connecticut's registry was taken offline for two years while the courts considered challenges from offenders. The Sex Offender Registry Web site carries a bold warning: "Any person who uses information in this registry to injure, harass or commit a criminal act against any person included in the registry or any other person is subject to criminal prosecution."
Parents of young children are those most likely inclined to want to check the database. Connecticut's law, like other laws collectively known as "Megan's laws," was inspired by the death of Megan Kanka, a New Jersey seven-year-old who was raped and killed by a neighbor who was a convicted sex criminal. Others who may want to check the database, which is updated regularly by the Department of Public Safety, are those shopping for real estate in Connecticut or hiring household help.
Interested citizens may obtain additional information on any Registered Sex Offender by requesting a state criminal conviction record. There is a $25 fee. The form for making a request is available online in PDF or .doc format. For additional information, contact the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification (SPBI) at 860-685-8480.
