Sex offender registry can now display multiple photos

New York State's Sex Offender Registry now displays multiple photographs of convicted sex offenders to make them more recognizable to law enforcement and the public, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday.

Several photos of each offender will be posted as they become available. Previously, only one photo of each was included.

Cuomo said in a statement that having more than one photograph helps "ensure that we are providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. This . . . [will] make offenders more recognizable and account for changes in appearance, which . . . makes the Registry an even better resource."

As of Nov. 4, Suffolk County had 999 registered sex offenders: 539 were designated at level 1, deemed at low risk of reoffending; 296 were level 2, medium risk; and 158 were at level 3, considered at high risk of reoffending. Six people registered had not yet been assigned a risk level.

In Nassau, there were 534 registered offenders: 297 at level 1, 169 at level 2 and 62 at level 3. Six there also had not been assigned risk levels.

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains the registry, which is posted on the agency's website: criminal justice.ny.gov/nsor.

Michael C. Green, the division's executive deputy commissioner, said multiple photos also will provide law enforcement officers with "additional information that they can use to better monitor offenders who live in their communities."