New York State law mandates the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to maintain the Sex Offender Registry and provide information to the public, law enforcement, businesses, and other organizations regarding individuals required to register as sex offenders in New York. The agency’s responsibilities are outlined in the Sex Offender Registration Act, which details registration procedures and risk levels, obligations of individuals required to register, and other legal requirements.
The type of information available to the public depends on the individual’s risk level, which is determined by a judge after a court hearing. The risk level also determines how the public can access information about registered individuals. There are three risk levels:
- Level 1: Low risk of re-offense
- Level 2: Moderate risk of re-offense
- Level 3: High risk of re-offense
State law requires DCJS to maintain an online directory of individuals designated as having a Level 2 or Level 3 risk of re-offense. You can register with NY-ALERT to receive notifications whenever a Level 2 or Level 3 individual listed in the online directory changes locations.
To search for information in the online directory, you can visit the DCJS website. Additionally, DCJS provides a toll-free telephone number to provide information regarding individuals designated as Level 1 risk or those who have not yet had a risk level determined by a judge. Address information about these individuals is limited to zip code, and they are not required to report their place of employment.
Individuals calling 800-262-3257 must have the individual’s name and one identifying item: exact address, date of birth, driver’s license number or Social Security number to find out if the person is registered as a sex offender in New York.
Publicly available information on all registered individuals includes, but is not limited to: residence address, current offense of conviction requiring registration, prior offense(s) of conviction requiring registration, multiple photographs (if available), scars, marks, and tattoos, vehicle make, model and license plate number, and parole or probation supervision conditions (if applicable).
Registry staff are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. You can contact DCJS by phone, email, or mail to request registry information searches or ask questions.
DCJS also provides a statutorily mandated video regarding child sexual predators. This video is designed to educate parents on the subject of sexual abuse. It includes interviews with individuals convicted of sex offenses against children; interviews with three survivors of child sexual abuse; and a presentation by an FBI Special Agent who details the dangers of online chat rooms.
