Megan's Law
The parents of 7-year-old Megan Kanka of Hamilton Township did not know that a twice-convicted sex offender was living across the street until that neighbor was charged with the brutal rape and murder of their daughter. The crime, occurring only months after a similar incident in Monmouth County, prompted passage of state laws requiring notification about sex offenders who may pose risk to the community.
New Jersey's law, commonly known as "Megan's Law," requires convicted sex offenders to register with local police.
3 Tier Notification Process
Megan's Law also establishes a three-tier notification process to provide information about sex offenders to law enforcement agencies and, when appropriate, to the public. The type of notification is based on an evaluation of the risk to the community from a particular sex offender. The Attorney General's Office, in consultation with a special 12-member council, has provided county prosecutors, who must make that evaluation, with the factors to be used in determining the level of risk posed by the sex offender.
Equipped with the descriptions and whereabouts of sex offenders, communities will be better able to protect their children.
Common Questions About Megan's Law
Any questions regarding Megan's Law may be directed to Assistant Prosecutor Steven Sand, at the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, Telephone 856-384-5500.
- What is registration?
- What types of offenses require registration?
- Who is required to register?
- Are juvenile sex offenders required to register?
- Are sex offenders convicted in another state required to register when they move to New Jersey?
- Are sex offenders required to report changes of address?
- How long must sex offenders register?
- Is information available on the Internet?
- What if a sex offender fails to register?