A gray November afternoon settled over Continental Drive as neighbors checked mail and walked dogs—routine moments now framed by a police reminder: a Level 3 sex offender is living nearby, and the community should stay informed.
Community safety alert delivered
The Grand Forks Police Department issued a public notice Thursday, Nov. 6, that a level three (high-risk) sex offender, Keith Siracusa, is residing in the city at 1712 Continental Dr. #101, according to the department’s press release. The address and risk level were shared to ensure residents have timely, accurate information from law enforcement.
In North Dakota, a Level 3 classification indicates the state deems an offender at higher risk to reoffend, which triggers broader public notification so neighbors, schools, and service providers can make informed safety decisions. GFPD emphasized the alert is informational and part of its ongoing community safety responsibilities under state law.
Why this matters to Grand Forks
Siracusa’s risk level assignment comes with historical context: he was convicted in Clay County in 1997 of first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, per Thursday’s GFPD release. Grand Forks residents—whether UND students living off-campus, military families commuting from or to Grand Forks Air Force Base, or longtime neighbors along the Greenway—often ask what a “Level 3” notice means for day-to-day life.
Under North Dakota law (NDCC 12.1-32-15), registered offenders can live in the community upon release, subject to registration, verification, and supervision requirements. The state’s risk assessment process—administered in coordination with the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office—assigns levels that guide how broadly law enforcement notifies the public. A Level 3 designation typically prompts citywide notifications and neighborhood outreach so residents know where to find verified information rather than relying on rumor.
Community response and preparedness
Public notices like Thursday’s tend to ripple through group texts, neighborhood Facebook pages, and campus chats. GFPD encourages residents to use official sources first, then share verified details with family and neighbors. Officers recommend common-sense steps: talk with kids about personal safety and boundaries, review routines such as walking to school or the bus stop, and report suspicious behavior promptly.
Law enforcement officials also urge calm and civility. State guidance underscores that public notification is intended to enhance safety and awareness, not to invite harassment or vigilantism. If residents have questions or feel uneasy, they can connect with GFPD’s Community Resource officers for tips on home security, neighborhood watch organizing, and how to interpret registry information.
How to engage and where to find help
Residents can stay current through official channels: the City of Grand Forks website, GFPD press releases, and the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry. Parents may also consult Grand Forks Public Schools for age-appropriate safety resources and communication templates for family discussions. UND students can check university safety pages for personal safety guides and late-night walking strategies on and off campus.
Neighborhood associations across Grand Forks—including those near the Alerus Center and along South Washington Street—regularly host safety nights. These sessions typically cover situational awareness, how to verify information, and when to call police. GFPD supports these meetings and can help residents launch or strengthen neighborhood watch groups.
Practical steps for families, students, and neighbors
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency questions or tips related to this notice, contact the Grand Forks Police Department’s non-emergency line during business hours.
Use the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry to confirm addresses and risk levels; verify details before reposting on social media.
Families: review safe routes to school and after-school activities; reinforce check-in routines.
UND community: pair up for walks after dark and use well-lit routes; consider existing campus safety resources when traveling between campus, downtown, and the Ralph Engelstad Arena area.
Neighborhood groups: designate a point person to compile official updates from GFPD and the City of Grand Forks, and share them in your group channels.
Conclusion: Keeping each other safe
Information, not panic, is the goal of a Level 3 notification. Grand Forks has long balanced transparency with neighbor-to-neighbor care—from campus blocks near the University of North Dakota to family streets across the river valley. Staying grounded in verified facts, watching out for one another, and reporting concerns through proper channels are the most effective ways to keep our community safe and steady.
What to Watch
GFPD will continue public notifications as required by state law and update residents if Siracusa’s status or address changes. Watch the City of Grand Forks channels for any scheduled neighborhood safety meetings and guidance as winter routines shift and daylight hours shorten.
