Six years ago, federal law began to mandate that convicted sex offenders register in their county and state as well as on a national level. Though it has alternately been labeled unconstitutional and completely necessary, local law enforcement takes it seriously.

In 1994, 7-year-old Megan Kanka was raped and murdered in Hamilton, N.J., by a repeat sex offender who lived across the street from her home, unbeknownst to her family and community.

Kanka’s death spurred public demand for broad-based notification of sex offenders living in communities across the country.

On May 17, 1996, President Clinton signed Megan’s Law, requiring sex offender registration and community notification of the offender’s residence.

The law states that “an individual who has been convicted or adjudicated of a criminal offense against a minor, sexual exploitation or a sexually violent crime or who was on probation, parole or work release status or who was incarcerated on or after July 1, 1995, is required to register,” according to the Klaas Kids Foundation Web site at www.klaaskids.org.

In Iowa, convicted sex offenders are required to register about registered sex offenders to protect the public.”

Julie Roosa, DPS support services manager, said the sex offender registry is not meant to pit neighbor against neighbor or classmate against classmate.

“I believe the idea behind [the law] is to increase community awareness so that people have information to reduce their risk of becoming a victim,” Roosa said. “I don’t think this will create a stigma about sex offenders here on campus. It’s only if members of the sex offender list are at risk to reoffend.”

“At risk” is a term defined by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. According to the Iowa Sex Offender Registry Web site, each offender is assessed on their propensity to repeat their acts.

When they register, sex offenders are labeled as high risk, moderate risk or low risk.

After risk assessment, the offender is required to “register with the sheriff of the county of the person’s residence within five days of establishing residence in this state or within five days of any conviction for which the person is not incarcerated,” according to the site.

According to the Iowa Sex Offender Registry Web site, there are 19 “at risk” offenders in Story County, 12 of which reside in Ames.

Capt. Gene Deisinger, of ISU Police, said there are no “at risk” offenders on the ISU campus at this time.

To find offenders labeled not at risk, a name and a birth date or address must be provided, said officials at the Story County Sheriff’s Office.

Megan’s Laws have been criticized as unconstitutional for invading privacy and creating a stigma for sex offenders who have served their time and are rehabilitated, Stewart said.

“Those convicted have served their time, it’s true, but because of the nature of the offense and the high rate of recidivism, we have passed laws in hopes that it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Barbara Mack, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, said the revised Megan’s Laws will protect students and community members.

“Recidivism is very high and it’s hard to cure. However, with this list available to the public and our ability to look at court documents, incident reports and arrest records, no matter where the offenders go, they can never get away,” she said.

Stewart said everyone must deal with the reality that criminals reside in every community.

“We must make information available and hope that people make use of it appropriately,” he said.

“It’s why we work hard to publish crime alerts. It’s important to make residents aware of their surroundings.”