Alert system keeps track of state's sex offenders

North country residents can track moderate- and high-risk sex offenders in their neighborhoods with ease using a cell phone, fax machine or computer.

The state Division of Criminal Justice Services launched an alert system Monday allowing residents to keep tabs on Level 2 and 3 sex offenders in their community. People can register for notices involving three areas at once.

New York has more than 30,000 sex offenders registered, including 878 for all three classifications in four counties — 388 in St. Lawrence, 264 in Jefferson, 168 in Franklin and 58 in Lewis, according to DCJS records. The county numbers don't include those incarcerated in state prisons in those counties.

For information on low-risk, or Level 1, sex offenders, residents can call 1 (800) 262-3257.

The division, which maintains the sex offender registry, is partnering with the state Emergency Management Office to provide sex offender relocation notices through the NY-ALERT system.

"It's good to see the state taking a pro-community awareness and notification step," St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells said. "Community notification and awareness and safety are paramount in the mission of this sheriff's office and the majority of police agencies in the state and across the country."

His department maintains a sex offender watch on its Web site for all low-, moderate- and high-risk offenders in St. Lawrence County. Mr. Wells said the Sheriff's Department will continue to offer the sex offender watch alongside the state's version.

ON THE NET

Sex Offender Alert System: criminaljustice.state.ny.us/

nsor/nyalert.htm