Oregon's sex offender database limits information. Is it too much or not enough?

In Oregon, only 5% of the state's approximately 34,000 registered sex offenders are included in the public database, which primarily lists Level Three registrants. Parents Courtney Gelbrich and Jane Mendoza became aware of a sex offender on their daughters' soccer team, which led them to investigate the limitations of the Oregon system. They discovered that many offenders, including those convicted of possessing child pornography, do not appear in the database. Experts like Katie Gotch argue that public registries can create a false sense of security, as they may lead parents to overlook potential threats from individuals they know. Gotch points to a 2008 study indicating that 95% of suspects arrested for sex crimes had no prior convictions, highlighting the limitations of relying on registries.

Furthermore, research shows that 93% of sexual abuse victims under 18 knew their abuser, suggesting that education about personal safety is crucial. The discussion raises important questions about how parents can effectively protect their children in light of these findings. Advocacy for more comprehensive safety education may be necessary to address the gaps in the current system.