National Sex Offender Registry

What is it?

Sex offender registries in each state allow for the tracking and monitoring of sex offenders following their release back into the community. Maintained by the Department of Justice, the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is the only national search site available to check all individual state, tribal and territorial public sex offender registries in the US. The NSOPW primarily uses web services to search the individual databases of the jurisdictions in real time when a user conducts a search. This method ensures that the site is returning the most current information. Note that each jurisdiction has its own laws that determine what information is displayed on its public registry website. 

According to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, a sex offender is a person who has been convicted of a sex offense. The Act divides sex offenders into three tiers depending on the nature and severity of the crime of conviction. 

Federal Law requires states to classify sex offenders for registry purposes as follows:  

• Tier I sex offenders are registered for 15 years, which may be reduced to 10 years if the offender maintains a clean record.
• Tier II sex offenders are registered for 25 years.
• Tier III sex offenders are registered for life unless the offender is a juvenile delinquent, in which case the registration period is 25 years if the offender maintains a clean record. 

Sex offenders must also appear in person to have a picture taken and verify registry information, such as their personal address. Tier I sex offenders must appear every year, Tier II sex offenders every six months, and Tier III sex offenders every three months.

How does it work?

The Verified First team processes Sex Offender Searches using the National Sex Offender Public Website. Any potential records found are ruled out or matched using identifying information provided on the file (such as full name, DOB, Address, etc).

When a record is confirmed as a match, a copy of the registry is made available in the attachments section of the file.

Who needs this search?

We recommend all organizations and industries order a nationwide sex offender registry search before hiring an employee or volunteer. This search can be especially beneficial for organizations serving populations such as children and the elderly. Any organization looking to protect their employees, customers, and brand from either hiring a registered sex offender, or if they do hire them, from putting them in a position where they could commit another crime would do well to run this search. 

Why run this search?

About 12-24% of sex offenders will re-offend with violent and non-violent crimes.  Running the Sex Offender Registry Search will identify if an applicant is a registered sex offender, as well as identifying individuals who are likely to commit another crime. The National Sex Offender Registry has the most up to date data on individuals who are registered sex offenders, whereas the sex offender databases in the Nationwide Search are not updated as frequently and could be missing information. 

The information and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only and are based 
on current practice, industry related knowledge and business expertise. The information
provided shall not be construed as legal advice, express or implied. 

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email clientservices@verifiedfirst.com