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NYS Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender Registration Act, New York's version of Megan's Law, was signed in July 1995 and became effective on January 21, 1996. The text of the statute is contained in Correction Law Article 6-C (Section 168 et seq.).

Registered sex offenders in New York are classified by their risk of reoffending. The sentencing court determines whether an offender is a level 1 (low risk), 2 (moderate risk) or 3 (high risk). The court also determines whether an offender should be given the designation of a sexual predator, sexually violent offender or predicate sex offender. Offenders are required to be registered for 20 years or life. Level 1 offenders with no designation must register for twenty years. Level 1 offenders with a designation, as well as level 2 and level 3 offenders regardless of whether they have a designation must register for life.

There are several ways you can obtain information about NY's sex offenders.

• You can call 1-800-262-3257 to determine if someone is on the Registry. You will need the name of the offender and one of the following: an exact address, a complete date of birth, a driver's license number or a social security number.
• You can go to www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/search_index.htm and access the a directory where you can search for level 2 and level 3 offenders by name, county or zip code.
• Your local law enforcement agency where the offender currently resides can, if it chooses, release information on sex offenders residing in the community to "entities with vulnerable populations related to the nature of the offense". The law enforcement agency can release information on level 1, level 2 and level 3 offenders through this method. Also, while the exact address of level 3 offenders can be provided, the law provides that only an approximate address based on zip code can be provided for level 1 and level 2 offenders.
• Each local law enforcement agency receives from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services a copy (electronically or on a CD ROM) of the Subdirectory which is maintained on this site . Local law enforcement is required to maintain the Subdirectory for the public to view upon request. (Information provided by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice)

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