How to Search Sex Offender Registries

Courts apply the term "sex offender" to anyone who has been convicted of sexual crimes. Sex offender registries now exist for each state, and offenders are required to register with the police wherever they reside after conviction. Follow these steps to search through the registries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go online to the U.S. Justice Department or FBI Web sites for sex offender registries for each state (see Resources below).
2. State registries are not uniform in listing style or options for search. A state registry might show a list of resident sex offenders by zip code or a map with addresses of offenders, plus photos, vital stats, and each sex offender's specific offense.
3. Some state registries will allow you to search on a specific name. If a sex offender relocates, the offender is required to re-register in the new place of residence, which might be another state. Thus you might have to search for an individual from state to state using the registries.
4. Some states offer all of their records for public searches, and others only make public the names of those convicted of more severe sex offenses, such as rape.

Tips & Warnings

• Not everyone listed as a sex offender is a child molester or rapist. Some state registries list every level of sex offender, including those convicted of indecent exposure.
• Since state registries are open to the public, you can also find links to them listed on the Web sites of advocacy groups, such as those against rape and child molesting.
• On some state registries, you must agree not to commit an illegal act with any of the information you find. This would include harassing the sex offender.