Sex Offenders In Minneapolis: What You Need To Know

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Before kids go out trick or treating on Halloween, fall is a good time to take an inventory of who is living in your neighborhood. Minneapolis currently has 139 registered sex offender listed on the Minnesota Sex Offender Registry.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections discloses information on offenders required to register under Minnesota Statutes 243.166 or 243.167 who are also subject to public notification according to Minnesota Statutes 244.052 or 253D.32.

Law enforcement agencies determine what information is released on a case-by-case basis. The Minnesota Department of Corrections then posts the information to its website within 48 hours of receiving authorization. This information is provided to the public by the state "to enhance public safety through knowledge of the registrant's general area of residence."

Personal Safety Tips, via the city of Minneapolis:

Assure your children that they can talk with you about questions they have about good touch versus bad touch, what to do if a stranger approaches them or if someone they know acts inappropriately towards them. Remind your children basic safety rules: never talk to strangers or accept rides from people you don't know; watch out for common lures and tricks (a lost adult wanting directions, asking you to help look for a lost pet, offering you money, candy, toys in exchange for a favor, etc.). Teach them to use the buddy system and to listen to their instincts-if something doesn't feel or seem right, talk to you, a teacher, or another adult they trust.

For adults, keep your windows and doors locked whether you are home or not. Some break-ins happen even when you've just stepped outside to water your lawn or shovel snow. If you live in a security building, do not let in people that you do not know, even if you think you may appear impolite. Remember, if they are there for a legitimate visit, their host will let them in. Consider taking a personal safety class and scheduling a home security check, both of which are conducted free of charge by the Minneapolis Police Department. Consider joining your neighborhood block club. Neighbors that know each other are more likely to look out for one another. If no club exists, contact the Crime Prevention Specialist assigned to your neighborhood for more information about starting a block club, attending a personal safety workshop, or scheduling a home security check.

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Community Resources Available

• Jamie Kieffer, MPD, Community Notification Coordinator: (612) 673-3932
• MPD Sex Crimes Unit: (612) 673-3081
• Hennepin County Adult Field Supervision: (612) 348-4062
• Minneapolis Sexual Violence Center: (612) 871-5100
• Minnesota Crime Victim Services: (651) 282-6256

Also, remember you can cntact your Crime Prevention SpecialistsSAFE Teams. Follow this link for phone numbers and email addresses.

Image: Patch