State Of Oregon Google Map Mashup Tackles Grim Subject

Offering information on what the State terms ‘predatory sex offenders’, Oregon demonstrates the application of mashups to public policy

A snapshot of part of the results page for a notional address in eastern Portland, Oregon, from the State of Oregon’s Sex Offender Inquiry System (click to enlarge)

The subject of notification of the public at large about registered sex offenders is a delicate one, and one which jurisdictions take seriously. The Web has turned into an effective communications tool for public notification, and with such available tools as Google maps with its public API, a very graphical one.

The state of Oregon has just launched a website, sexoffenders.oregon.gov, which aims to list the most serious (or “predatory”) offenders in a way that anyone with a net connection can quickly and readily see where the nearest such people are in relation to a given address. Highlighted are public spaces such as schools and public parks.

The interface might not win any design awards, and has presentation flaws (such as the exclamation point after 6 Offenders Found!), but it serves its purpose aptly and with little explanation required. The map display is all Google, and all information is in the public record. Once an address is entered, the map loads with information tied to red pins; a click on the pin will reveal the full name and address, with a link to more information.

The site, while useful, stands out in as much as Oregon is the next-to-last state in the union to offer one (South Dakota will have an site available soon). The Oregonian, of Portland, in an article dated 1 July 2006, cites budgetary struggles between the State Legislature and the State Police as a primary reason, but also cited contributions by corporations as well as Federal grants as something which helped close the gap.

On the one hand: public safety, and on the other hand: a public need. Standing in the middle: the Google map mashup, bridging the gap.