NEW YORK:  A REPORT ON PEOPLE AND ISSUES IN THE STATE’S CAPITAL  (The Rules Under ‘Megan’s Law’; Still Evolving in Courts, Practice)

According to Newsday.com, under a 1995 law, convicted sex offenders are required to register with the state when released from prison.  By checking with their local police department or calling 900-288-3838 and paying $5, the public can view photos & learn the names and addresses of sexual predators.  There are less details of less serious offenders.  A State Supreme Court judge in Mineola ruled that real estate agents and home sellers are not obligated to disclose the presence of a sex offender in the neighborhood.  Some schools send home pictures and addresses of the most serious offenders but some schools choose not to send anything and don't notify parents.  As of March 10th, the number of sex offenders on the state register in the boroughs of New York City are: Bronx -728, Brooklyn - 847, Manhattan - 584,    Queens - 556, Staten Island - 106.  A total in New York State - 10,306.  As of March 10th, the number of sex offenders on the state register on Long Island are: Suffolk - 406, Nassau - 246.