Iowa Department of Public Safety
Eugene T. Meyer, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Telephone Number: (515) 725-6182
Facsimile Number: (515) 725-6195

John F. Quinn, Director

DCI LAUNCHES NEW SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY DATABASE AND WEB SITE

Des Moines, IOWA --- At an early afternoon press conference, the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) unveiled the newly re-designed Sex Offender Registry database and web site, www.iowasexoffender.com

With recent changes in state legislation regarding sex offenders, law enforcement became empowered to collect more information on registrants. This in turn prompted the re-design of both the state database and web site, to more efficiently retain and distribute offender information. Now complete, the Sex Offender Registry web site features a more easily navigable design with updated search functions. It also includes:

Continued email notification to subscribers. Offender photos and conviction information with links to related Iowa code sections. Information regarding registered offenders subject to exclusionary zones, residency restrictions and employment restrictions. Resources for parents and guardians on how to prevent abuse. Resources for victims. Advanced mapping functions identifying schools and where groups of offenders reside. Regularly updated statistics on the Registry web site and registry offenders. Advanced access levels for local law enforcement to view database information useful in offender management or investigation.

DPS Commissioner Eugene T. Meyer commented, "As technology evolves, so must our systems and staff in order to effectively serve the people of Iowa. This new web site, and the database supporting it, will make it easier for citizens and law enforcement to obtain information to help keep their families and communities safe."

The re-design of the web site began in 2008 and was completed last month. In total the re-design cost $77,000 and was funded through a grant from Iowa Access. The creation of the database that supports the website was funded through a grant from the federal Department of Justice and cost roughly $180,000.

To enroll in the DPS E-mail Notification system simply log on to https://dpsemailnotify.iowa.gov and follow the instructions to enroll as a new user.