The Oregon State Police went on-line last Thursday with a new website which publishes information regarding dangerous sex offenders residing in Oregon. The site was established in accordance with HR 3486 in order to provide information such as name, address, physical descriptions, pictures and conditions of release regarding high risk offenders.

“This new website will give Oregonians information about the most predatory sex offenders in their communities,” said Governor Kulongoski. “This is one of many tools we need to keep our communities safe. It is important to remember that most sexual offenders have never been convicted and are therefore not in this database. This is why it is imperative for parents to be ever vigilant of our children and with whom they associate.”

There are approximately 700 registered sex offenders in Oregon who are classified as predatory or sexually violent dangerous offenders. These offenders are required to register for life under Oregon law and their information will be permanently available on this website. Many counties already provide web-based information about sexual predators, but the OSP website will allow citizens to view the list of offenders in its entirety. As of July 1, more than 85% of the predatory sex offenders will be listed on the site. All will be on the website shortly thereafter. Not all sex offenders are classified as “predatory,” so not every person who has been convicted of a sexual offense will be listed on the website.

“Oregonians finally have a place to look up predatory sex offenders in their neighborhoods. Hopefully this will give parents one more tool to help protect their children,” said Representative Jerry Krummel, a key sponsor of HR 3486.

In a related matter, Oregon will now link its website to the National Sex Offender Public Registry. The new Web site can be accessed at sexoffendersoregon.gov or through the Oregon State Police website at (www.oregon.gov/OSP) or through the National Sex Offender Public Registry at (www.nsopr.org). A list of all registered sex offenders can be obtained by calling the Oregon State Police at 503-378-3725 X4429 or by e-mailing a request to (sexoffender.questions@state.or.us).