Missouri Reviewer's Comments

The Missouri Sex Offender Registry is a comprehensive resource for identifying sex offenders in all relevant locations: residence, work and school. State risk assessment is not conducted in Missouri, so it is difficult to estimate the risk associated with local sex offenders. Sexually Dangerous Offenders or Predators are not identified as they are on many other states’ sites. To be a more effective community safety tool, risk assessment levels or their equivalent and corresponding search functions should be implemented along with integration between the map results and the profiles. 

Missouri Screenshots. Click for more
       


Information Provided:  

Each profile is organized into eight tabbed categories:

1. Missouri Sex Offender (Physical description, address, offense, and most importantly, an indication of the victim was under the age of 18.)
2. Addresses (Home, Work, School and Temporary)
3. Vehicles owned and/or operated by the sex offender
4. Offenses that include links to clear legal descriptions of each offense but no details on the specific offense.
5. Scars, marks and tattoos
6. Alias Information (name and date of birth for each)
7. Photos
8. Release Information for both confinement and probation/parole

Search Functions:  

Once you access a profile, the search box remains in the left navigation bar making it easy to change your search criteria or perform a new search. You are able to filter your results by zip code, city, county, first and last name and various addresses.

Mapping the location of sex offenders is available and you may specify a distance from 1000 feet to 15 miles around a particular address. The results map is not interactive, you cannot zoom in and out. Results include colored dots with offender names indicating type of address. Unfortunately, a second search must be done to access individual profiles.  

Additional Site Features:  

In addition to profiles, this website also maps the location of sex offenders, offers printable pages and safety tips. Missouri is one of the only states to offer the Missouri Sex Offender Registry as a downloadable Excel document. The Fact Sheet gives varied legal information and resources including opposition to sex offender laws and a brief history of major pieces of sex offender legislation. 

Ease of Use:  

Tabbed information on the profiles, permanent single search box and county drop down menu makes finding the information on a particular sex offender or sex offenders in your area quick and easy. 

Contact Information:  

You are able to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol (they are the agency in charge of the registry) by phone or email. The FAQs page has answers to common questions.

Summary:  

The Missouri Sex Offender Registry provides comprehensive information on each sex offender, but falls short in its mapping function and lack of risk assessment. Missouri would provide a more useful service for its residents by implementing these features.