National Sex Offender Registry

Dru Sjodin Database


The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Registry is a database of registered sex offenders in the United States.

The registry includes information on registered sex offenders, such as their name, photograph, date of birth, address, and criminal history.

It was created after a series of congressional bills enforced each state to gather and report sex offender information to the federal government.

The largest misconception with the National sex offender registry is that the database contains everyone that is registered as a sex offender.

The truth is, the state and national sex offender registries have three risk levels they can assign offenders, which are based on severity of the crime.

Level three is the most severe and high risk, and level one is the least severe and low risk.

The National registry only retains information on levels two and three. Utilizing the National registry is the most efficient way to catch any high-level information, but it will not show anyone registered as a level one offender.

To obtain all available information on an applicant, you need to utilize a state sex offender registry, in each state that the person has lived.

State specific registries contain all three levels of offender, but require oral verification with a registry representative.

The Dru Sjodin database is a great starting point, but you should use the database in conjunction with other criminal or state sex offender checks, to ensure you’re obtaining all available information on your applicant.

National Sex Offender Registry Timeline

Adam Walsh Children Protection and Safety Act

2006


Protecting of Children from Sexual Predators Act

1998


Megan’s Law

1996


Jacob Wetterling Act

1994


Prior to 1994, there were no federal laws governing the registration of sex offenders in the United States.

A uniform process began with the Jacob Wetterling Act in 1994, followed by a series of well know bills to help strengthen the provisions of the Wetterling Act (Megan’s Law, Pam Lyncher Sexual Offender Tracking, Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act).

In 2006, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (SORNA) was passed, creating a new baseline measurement system for states, and mandating reporting to the federal database.

The act also directed the Department of Justice to establish the national registry website, named after Dru Sjodin.

The registry also includes information on the types of sex offenses that the offender has been convicted of.

Commercial Investigations offers the Dru Sjodin National sex offender registry search as one component of our Origin™ inquiry.

Combining Origin™ and a state specific sex offender registry search allows you to gather a complete picture on an applicant, and make an educated hiring decision.

Discover the Difference: National vs. State Sex Offender Registries

Explore the nuances between national and state sex offender registry!

Our 1:30 video breaks down the differences between these registries, highlighting how relying solely on the national registry can lead to blind spots in your background checks.

Stay informed and protect your organization with our insightful video.

Watch now to understand the importance of using both registries in your screening process!

Discover More with Commercial Investigations

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