In July of 1994, seven year-old Megan Kanka was raped and murdered in New Jersey by a twice-convicted sex offender who was living across the street from the Kanka's home. Although the suspect was quickly arrested and convicted, Megan's mother and father wanted to do something to help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. They felt there ought to be a law which would allow the police to inform the public about potentially dangerous sex offenders who may continue to pose a threat to the community, even after they have served their time in prison. California enacted such a law in September of 1996.

In tandem with the information that is posted to the Megan's Law website local law enforcement may opt to perform door-to-door community notifications on certain sex offenders. This information should be used to protect yourself and your family.