Mid-Hudson Valley 2018 Sex Offender Database: How To Check

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Before you send your children out to trick-or-treat in the Mid-Hudson Valley, it might be a good idea to peruse the New York Sex Offender Registry.

More than half of rape/sexual assault incidents happen within a mile of the victim’s home, according to the United States Department of Justice. About 75 percent of victims know their attacker and 45 percent of victims are under 12 years old.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services is responsible for maintaining New York's Sex Offender Registry, which provides New Yorkers information about sex offenders living in their communities. The DCJS updates information regularly, but information can change quickly. Information is often provided by offenders themselves as required by law.

There are three levels of sex offenders — Level 1 (low risk of re-offense), Level 2 (medium risk of re-offense) and Level 3 (high risk of re-offense); risk level is set by a judge after a court hearing. By law, only Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders are listed on the public directory.

You may want to avoid trick or treating at these houses and apartments on Halloween, or merely be aware of who’s living in your neighborhood during the rest of the year.

When you click on the registry's website, you have three ways to search for information: last name, county or ZIP Code. You can eliminate anyone who is not at large by checking the Incarcerated, ICE Custody and In Custody boxes.

After you prove you are not a robot by filling out the CAPTCHA form, and you click "Search," you will be taken to a page that either contains names or says that there is no data to present.

Bear in mind, there could be duplicate names and aliases.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services warns that this information must be used responsibly. Its Disclaimer states "Anyone who uses this information to harass or commit a criminal act against any person may be subject to criminal prosecution."

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