Megan's Law
Frequently Asked Questions

 

State's Information on Registered Sex Offenders

How many sex offenders are recorded in the Megan’s Law Database?
Approximately 76,000

How many live in Concord?
Approximately 250

How many are registered with the Concord Police Department?
Approximately 250

Does Megan’s Law show sex offenders who were arrested but not convicted of sex offenses?
No, Megan’s Law only shows convicted offenders.

What types of offenders are there?
The Department of Justice classifies offenders as Serious, High Risk and Other.

What is a Serious Offender?
A registrant who has a conviction of a specified felony sex offense or misdemeanor child molestation.

What is a High Risk Offender?
An Offender who has been convicted of a least one violent sex offense and a combination of other offenses.

What is an Other Offender?
A registrant who is convicted of a misdemeanor offense such as indecent exposure. They are required to register but their information is not subject to public disclosure.

When and how does the Concord Police notify the community about sex offenders?
Generally, public notifications can be done for all offenders identified by the Department of Justice as High Risk. Notification can occur in a variety of ways, including personal or telephone contact by an officer, posted flyers or a general press release.

Does the Concord Police Department notify the community about Serious Offenders?
Not routinely, unless the offender engages in suspicious activities that put a child or other persons at risk.

Will I be notified if an offender lives near me?
Not always. The best way for citizens to locate offenders living in or near their community is through the Megan’s Law database, which is available at Concord Police Headquarters at 1350 Galindo St.

Is an offender’s employer notified?
Yes, if the offender’s employment places him/her in contact with persons likely to be victimized.

Can sex offenders volunteer or work with children?
It is a misdemeanor crime for sex registrants convicted of a crime with a minor under 16 years old to volunteer or be employed in a setting that causes them to work directly or in an unaccompanied setting with minor children on more than an occasional basis or if they have supervisory power over minor children.

Can sex offenders live near a park or school?
Yes, unless they are currently on Parole or Probation, and the terms of their release from custody prohibit them from living near such places.

What if I recognize someone on the Megan’s Law database?
If you are concerned about or have witnessed a suspicious activity by an offender, notify the Youth Services/ Sexual Assault Unit at (925) 671-3030. If there is a potential for immediate harm call 671-3333.

What can I do with the information I receive about a sex offender through Megan’s Law?
You may use the information to protect yourself and your family from sex offenders. The information may not be used to intimidate, harass, or take unlawful action against any such offender.

How can I protect my children from child molesters?
Child molesters have well-developed techniques for luring victims. They seduce children with attention, affection and gifts. They often have hobbies and interests appealing to children. Generally, they are skilled at identifying vulnerable victims and are able to identify better with children than adults. Teach your children to avoid situations that put them in danger of abuse, molestation or abduction. Many parents warn their children not to talk to strangers. But more often than not, the child knows an abuser or abductor.

What should I tell my children?

  • Stay away from people who call you near their car, even if they offer to take you somewhere exciting.
  • If someone tries to take you away, yell, "This person is not my father (or mother)!" and scream.
  • If you get lost in a store, find another mom with children or go to the checkout counter. Don’t wander around on your own.
  • You don’t have to keep secrets from your parents. No one can hurt your parents or pets if you tell what happened.
  • No one should touch you in any of the parts covered by your bathing suit, and you should not be asked to touch anyone there.
  • Don’t let anyone take your picture without permission from your parents or teacher.