Background The U.S. Congress passed three laws that require States to keep track of sex offenders; the Wetterling Registration Act, the Lynchner Tracking and Identification Act and Megan’s Law. On March 5, 2003, The Supreme Court ruled that information about potential predators may be posted on the Internet. The Problem The information is available and you have the right to see it. But the problem is that access is very difficult. You have to know the name of the individual you are looking for and in many States you must go to your police station and complete a request form. In some States there is a fee and limit to view only two names	National Alert Registry Understanding Risk Levels Although Federal legislation prompted each State to enact its own registration legislation, the details of enforcement such as jurisdiction and risk levels vary by the State. This is a general overview of the similarities. Consult the laws of your State for the most up to date and specific information. When a sex offender is released from incarceration and into to the community, the sentencing court assigns a risk level based upon a risk assessment. The risk assessment criterion include the use of force, weapons, alcohol or drugs; The victim's age, number of victims, assault or injury of the victim and the offender's relationship to the victim. Although assessment techniques vary, the risk of a repeat offense and the threat to public safety generally falls into one of three categories: Low Risk A Level I offender is viewed as the lowest risk to the community and is deemed the least likely to re-offend. He/she may have participated in an authorized rehabilitation program and this may be the offender's first conviction. Fortunately, the majority of offenders are Level I. Moderate Risk The Level II offender may have more than one victim or may have abused long-term. The offender likely knew the victim, possibly abusing a position of trust. High Risk The Level III offender poses the highest potential threat to the community. Other previous violent crime convictions are probable, as are substance abuse and refusal to or failure to complete treatment. Level III offenders comprise approximately 15% of the total offender population. Additional Designations may include: Sexually Violent Offender - Has been convicted of a sexually violent offense. Predicate Sex Offender - Has been convicted of two or more registration-eligible crimes. Sexual Predator - Has a mental abnormality or personality disorder that leads to seeking out victims. Level III, predatory, violent and predicate offenders must register for life. Level I and Level II offenders must register for ten years. Have you solved the problem? Yes, I have solved the problem. No, I want to go back to the Topics List. No, I want to go back to the beginning. No, I want to contact your support department.