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Published on 07/28/1997 All articles from this issue

Police say database for sex offenders now available locally

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Beginning Thursday, residents may view the CD-ROM database of registered California sex offenders at the Los Altos Police Department.

As a result of Megan's Law, this information became available July 1 throughout California in all sheriff's departments and in all cities with a population over 200,000.

Los Altos, with a population of about 28,000, did not need to have the CD available locally.

But "we have a strong concern for the community," said Sgt. Mark Macaulay with the Los Altos Police Department. "We want residents of the community to have the opportunity to view it."

Currently there are six registered sex offenders who live in the 94022 and 94024 zip codes. Three of the offenders are considered "serious" and information on them is in the CD. Three are considered "other" and no information on them is available.

The CD also includes information on "high risk" offenders, those considered as possible repeat offenders who may pose a greater risk to the public. None in that category live locally.

Should any move to the area, "we will take all measures to make the community fully aware," said Los Altos Police Chief Lucy Carlton.

With regard to "serious" offenders, "at the present time there will be no public disclosure," Macaulay said.

The Bank of Los Altos and the Los Altos Community Foundation together contributed a computer to the police, which will be used for the sex-offender CD as well as other police projects.

"At the bank, we try to do something once a year for the police department," said Jim Wall, president and CEO of the Bank of Los Altos.

"It's a real nice partnership between a private company and the (Community) Foundation," said Roy Lave, president of the Community Foundation.

Megan's Law is named after Megan Kanka who was raped and killed in 1994 in New Jersey by a twice-convicted sex offender who had just moved into her neighborhood. She was 7 years old. The CD may be seen on Thursdays, from 1-2 p.m., by appointment.

To see it, a person must be at least 18, must have a photo ID, must not be a registered sex offender, and must sign a waiver that they agree not to use the information.