Virginia Reviewer's Comments

Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry posts the profiles of all sex offenders required to register, including some juveniles 13 or over. Though Virginia does not conduct risk assessment, violent offenders are clearly identified at the top of the profiles. Integration between searches, mapping and profiles is seamless—other states would benefit by following Virginia’s format. 

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Information Provided:  

Profiles include a standard physical description and home and employer addresses. All that’s missing here are school addresses, vehicle information, and any distinguishing physical characteristics. Offense details include the court, code, name of offense, date and state of conviction and brief victim information. 

Search Functions:  

Virginia has one of the most flexible searches available. Search by zip code, county, city, name or map offenders in an area around a specified address. You may include incarcerated offenders, limit results to wanted sex offenders, easily view all results in a category, and expand results by including contiguous zip codes. The mapping feature is fully integrated with the first four types of searches and the profiles. 

Additional Site Features:  

Virginia offers email notification, FAQs, and links to registry background, relevant statutes and community resources. 

Ease of Use:  

Search types are clearly defined. Convenient menus are offered for cities and counties. Virginia is the only state to allow you to expand your results to include contiguous zip codes. 

Contact Information:  

Each profile page includes a direct link to email Virginia State Police to encourage the public to report any additional information. 

Summary:  

With seamless integration and flexible search functions, Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry is one of the best. Sexually violent offenders are clearly marked, helping to balance the absence of risk assessment.