one place you can go to is PUBLICDATA.COM. This site does cost money, but for the information you get it's really inexpensive. Public Data does NOT have information in every state, so take the demo and it will give you that informationn. Also, depending on what state you are in, you may be able to find something on the state's website. I know in Texas, (which this is on public data for a charge but free if you go to the state's website), you can look up the sex offenders in an area by name, dob or by zip code. Always keep in mind that just because the state gives us this information that it is NOT always correct. Many criminals, including sex offenders, many times use a false adddress for whatever reason. These are really up for a safety measure and basic information. The Texas website also has pictures of many of them. Texas' website is: records.txdps.state.tx.us/soSearch/default.cfm
Two other sites you can go to for sex offenders that includes every state that is by law allowed to publish these to the public are:
Hello, I need help! I need to know who to talk to to get this information out. I am a researcher with neices and nephews in the public schools. I support "safety first" of our kids, faculty and community over politics. I have found some disturbing and dangerous loopholes in our nations background checks that can allow for sexual preditors and violent people to have direct contact with our kids K-12 (as teachers, or hired personnel). I have checked with several states' law enforcement agencies and found many were not even aware of these dangers. I have written an article and have a great deal of background information to support these findings.