How to Conduct an Offender Search

Conducting an offender search in your area will require the tools provided by your local law enforcement agencies as well as specific identifying information about any individual offender you may be searching for. You may be able to search online for an offender in your area, or you may need to visit your local courthouse or police station to conduct your search. You will often be able to find information about the level of crimes the offender committed, time served, address information and even a physical description or past employment information. Following is a discussion about the types of offender searches you may conduct, special notification options available in many states, and email notifications that may apply in your area.

Finding the Sex Offender Database in Your Area

Most states offer a website that provides offender and predator information, so that you can easily access it from the comfort of your own home. Many times this site may even include the official sex offender registry for your state or locale. Begin by looking at your state government's website or the Department of Corrections or Public Safety to find this site if it exists. Otherwise, you may need to conduct an in-person search at your local courthouse. You may also need to simply search national databases available through the FBI.

Types of Searches Available

There are generally three ways to search for sex offenders. You may search using specific information about the offender, such as address, first and last name, aliases and even ID number used by the Department of Corrections. The names of these ID numbers always vary, so check to see what they are called in your state.

You may also choose to simply search your neighborhood or vicinity to find all sex offenders living in the area. This type of search allows you to input an address or zip code, and a map or list will show you where all registered offenders in that area live according to their last reporting. Of course, this information may be inaccurate or outdated.

The third way to search for sex offenders is by their online IDs. Email addresses and Instant Message IDs may be input and you can see if they are linked to a currently convicted predator. This is an especially useful way to search since many people are always online meeting new chat friends or joining new online forums and groups.

Special Notifications

If you are concerned about the constantly changing list of sex offenders in your area, you may also want to sign up for any notification service offered. These services will send you an email message when a new sex offender or predator is added to the list, when one moves to your area, or one has been classified as absconded. Most Department of Corrections' websites will also include mugshots of recently absconded offenders.

Regardless of your reasons for conducting an offender search, you'll be well served to study your local government's website and online notification offerings.

Specific State Sex Offender Searches:

Florida Sex Offender Search

Ohio Sex Offender Search

Texas Sex Offender Search