Sex Offender Alert System Goes Live

An online system that will automatically alert San Diego County residents if a sex offender registers in their area was launched Wednesday.

Residents who sign up at SanDiegoCountySexOffenders.com will receive an email whenever the state's Megan's Law website is updated with a new registrant in their area.

The email alert will link users to the Megan's Law website, where they can review profiles and find new listings.

21 registered sex offenders can be found in Imperial Beach, according to the site.

Click here to see photos and information about each registred sex offender living in IB.

"We get so busy in our daily routines that we may not be checking the Megan's Law website as regularly as we should," Supervisor Bill Horn said. "This system reminds us to be vigilant–it's time to check again."

People who sign up for the service will first have to acknowledge a disclaimer on the varying risk levels of sex offenders in the state's database.

"Knowledge is power, and this new notification system complements the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in San Diego County," District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said.

The county also provided a cautionary note about the offender alerts, reminding residents that some 80 to 90 percent of sex offenses against children are committed by people who know the victims and their families.

SanDiegoCountySexOffenders.com includes a "Resources" page to help San Diegans learn more about sex offenders, and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

City News Service contributed to this report.