Sex Offender Information

History
Washington State's 1990 Community Protection Act was the first law in the United States that authorized public notification whenever a dangerous sex offender is released into a community. However, it was the brutal 1994 rape and murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka that compelled the public to demand a broad based community notification law. On May 17, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed what is now known as Megan's Law. Megan's Law has the following two mandates:

Sex Offender Registration
The 1994 Jacob Wetterling Act requires states to register individuals convicted of sex crimes against children. Sex offender registration laws are essential because:

• Sex offenders pose a high risk of re-offending after release from custody.
• Protecting the public from sex offenders is a primary governmental interest.
• The government's interest of public safety supersedes the privacy interests of persons convicted of sex offenses.
• Release of certain information about sex offenders to public agencies and the community in which it serves will assist in greater public safety.

Community Notification
Megan's Law allows states discretion to establish criteria for disclosure, but compels them to make private and personal information about registered sex offenders available to the public. Community notification also:

• Assists law enforcement personnel in investigations.
• Establishes legal grounds to hold known offenders.
• Deters sex offenders from committing new offenses.
• Offers citizens information they can use to protect children from victimization.

For a general view of where registered sex offenders reside in the city, visit our our Neighborhood Maps. These maps do not have specific names and addresses of the offenders; however, citizens who show proof of residency in the city of Grand Junction may visit the Grand Junction Police Department at 625 Ute Avenue (on the southeast corner of Ute Avenue and 6th Street) and request a copy of the registered sex offender registry. This registry provides a complete list of names and addresses of those registered within the city of Grand Junction.

Page Updated: Saturday, May 19, 2007