Missouri's Sex Offender Registry Receives National Honor

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt yesterday announced Missouri's Sex Offender Registry earned top marks from TopTenREVIEWS Inc. The reviewer named Missouri's registry the best in the nation, awarding it the only "gold medal" in the country.

"We have an obligation to do all we can to protect the safety of Missouri's children from sexual predators. That is why I have made the safety of Missouri's children a priority for my administration," Gov. Blunt said. "It is vital that we provide Missouri parents with the most current and detailed information regarding sexual offenders. I am very pleased that the steps we have taken to improve Missouri's Sex Offender Registry have stood out compared to what other states have done to inform their citizens about offenders in their neighborhoods."

The reviewer used five categories to rank the nation's sex offender registries. The categories and reviewer's comments are:

• Information Provided -- "The Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry provides all of the information you need to know about offenders to protect yourself and your family."
• Search Functions -- "The search box remains in the left navigation bar making it easy to change your search criteria or perform a new search."
• Additional Site Features -- "In addition to profiles, this website also maps the location of sex offenders, offers printable pages and safety tips."
• Ease Of Use -- "The tabbed system and permanent search box makes finding the information you need quick and easy."
• Contact Information -- "You are able to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol (they are the agency in charge of the registry) by phone or e-mail. The FAQs page has answers to common questions."
  

Reviewers describe Missouri's sex offender registry site as having a clean interface and powerful search box that is easy to navigate. The reviewer's summary describes the Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry as, "easy to use and full of important information. Whether you're a concerned parent, teacher, or suspicious of a date, protect yourself and your family -- be informed."

Missouri's sex offender database was established in 1995 to give the public access (through their local sheriff's department) to information concerning persons registered as sexual offenders. In 2004, the sex offender registry was placed on the Internet for the public to view convicted sex offender information.

Earlier this month the governor announced his support for a new initiative to strengthen the registry even further. The legislation would require convicted sex offenders to submit their e-mail addresses, instant messaging names, and any other electronic identifiers to the sex offender registry. The information would then be available to help parents and law enforcement keep children safe from sexual predators. Registered sex offenders would only be allowed to use e-mail addresses or other Internet-based identifiers that they provide to the sex offender registry.