The state's sex offender registry is supposed to let neighbors know if they have offenders living nearby and, if so, how much danger they might pose.

But a lack of manpower to do background checks has created a backlog of more than 6,100 offenders who have yet to be classified — leaving citizens with no way of knowing if an offender poses little risk, is likely to re-offend or is a violent predator.

Georgia’s sex offender registry has almost 21,100 people. They are classified by three levels.

Level one offenders pose little risk to the public. Those labeled as level two have an increased likelihood that they will re-offend. And the third classification is for sexually dangerous predators.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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