Offender Watch: Milwaukee police announce launch of new sex offender notification website

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Division has launched a new sex offender registration and public notification website called Offender Watch.

Officials say the new service is a citizen-friendly, easy to use website that enables citizens to search for sex offenders in their area. The information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is updated in real-time by the Milwaukee Police Department as offender information changes and is reported.

CLICK HERE to visit Offender Watch

Offender Watch

By typing in your address, the site will give you pictures, names and addresses of sex offenders in a five-mile radius.

"It shouldn't be used to harass the offenders or their families but again, it's just an information thing -- knowing who lives in your neighborhood," said Obergon.

By clicking on the offender's name, you get detailed information about their crime and when their incarceration ended.

Offender Watch

"It also contains specific information regarding the city ordinance that we have in Milwaukee, and determines whether the offender is in compliance with the ordinance, or if they're not in compliance," said Obergon.

The site cost $12,000 and two years to complete. Milwaukee police say it was worth the time and the price tage.

"Anytime the citizens have more information, that's always a positive for them knowing what's going on in their neighborhood," said Obergon.

There is also an alert feature on the website that allows you to set up direct emails sent to you if and when an offender moves within a five-mile radius of where you live.

There is no cost to use Offender Watch.