HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania has launched a Web site listing the names, pictures and locations of some 7,000 sex offenders in the state.
A previous state Internet site had listed some 60 offenders who had been labeled "sexually violent," the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. The state Legislature ordered the site revamped in November and the result is an extensive database.
Officials said the changes make new site consistent with the intent of Megan's Law. In 1996, President Clinton signed "Megan's Law," which requires states to register people convicted of sex crimes against children. The law is named for a 7-year-old girl who was killed by a sexual predator.
There were 6,981 names on the Pennsylvania site when it was unveiled, a figure expected to fluctuate as people move into or out of the state or when names are removed. While violent criminals are to be left on the list for the rest of their lives, most will removed after 10 years.
The Web site includes a warning to anyone who would use the information to "threaten, intimidate or harass" the people listed or their families.
The Web site address is pameganslaw.state.pa.us.
