Here we see one kind of error that can result from registry information (same name similar likeness), but this is rare. The worst error results from someone taking registry information, then posting it elsewhere on the Internet (Secondary Dissemination (SD)). What happens with SD is, that it is never updated, even though the actual registry is. All it takes is one person bent on revenge or vigilantism, using that SD information and the registrant no longer lives there; someone else -not on the registry- becomes the target and is harmed. Just pointing out what usually occurs, and not implying that the actual registrant should be targeted.12-15-2009 Nebraska:
Law Would Publicly List Every Convicted Offender
A new law set to take effect on Jan. 1 will require every sex offender is Nebraska to be listed on a public Web site, a change that will more than double the number of listed offenders, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
State officials said the change is necessary to remain eligible for hundreds of thousands of federal dollars.
But some, including Dennis Dick, who shares a name with a sex offender, may find themselves being the target of mistaken identity.
Dick is a local basketball coach, father and church leader. He's not a convicted sex offender. But another Dennis Dick is a sex offender, convicted of sexual assault six years ago and recently released from prison.
The convicted Dennis Dick also lives in Omaha and even looks a little like the coach. The KETV NewsWatch 7 I-Team showed a photo of the convicted offender to the coach.
"Wow. Very similar," Dick said.
Someone sent the I-Team a clipping with a photo showing Dick sitting with his players.
The mailer was worried, and wanted the I-Team to investigate why Dick was allowed so close to children.
"It's just very, very, very disheartening to see that someone with the same name and similar appearance would be associated with me," Dick said.
It's a case of mistaken identity that's rare now but may soon become more common. Only those at high risk of re-offending -- about 1,400 people -- are currently on the public list. In 2010, every convicted sex offender will be listed, bringing that number to more than 3,000.
Nebraska State Patrol's Glenn Elwell said people checking the list must pay close attention to the offenders photograph and address to avoid wrongful accusations.
"Use the information for what it's worth and not just look at a name and go, 'Oh my gosh, my next door neighbor's name is John Doe. He's a sex offender!'" Elwell said.
The state patrol said it's already getting complaints on the new law, and it expects lawsuits to come forth to stop it from being implemented. ..Source.. KETV7.com
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