Finding registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania is fairly easy. The PA State Police maintains a searchable online database of all registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania. Each offender’s name, date of birth, address, and photo are provided along with their registration status (active or inactive) and the county where they live. So, if you need info on how to find registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania, then read through this article.
This information is free for anyone to access but we suggest you contact the local police department in your area to confirm if this person is still living there before approaching them directly if you have any questions about them. If you want more detailed information on a particular offender’s crimes, then try contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency that handled the case concerned.
Tier I sexual offenses
The most serious sex offenses against children are classified as Tier I. These include Rape, Statutory Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault (any sexual contact with a child under 16 years old), and Corruption of Minors.
Tier II sexual offenses
These are less serious but still considered extremely serious crimes by the state of Pennsylvania: Child Pornography, Patronizing a Prostitute, Indecent Exposure and Incest between siblings or relatives.
Sex Offenders in Pennsylvania who have committed any of these crimes will be required to register with the police for life and may be banned from living within 1/2 mile of any school if they do not comply with all registration requirements. They can also be required by law to attend counseling programs designed to help them understand their actions and how to prevent re-offending in the future.
Tier III sexual offenses
These are the least serious crimes but still considered extremely serious by the State of Pennsylvania: Luring a Child, Indecent Assault on a Child (not involving children), Solicitation to commit prostitution, and Lewdness with children. Sex Offenders in PA who have committed any of these crimes will be required to register with the police for life and may be banned from living within 1/2 mile of any school if they do not comply with all registration requirements.
They can also be required by law to attend counseling programs designed to help them understand their actions and how to prevent re-offending in the future. You can find more information about court-ordered treatment programs by contacting your local District Attorney’s office for more information or specific details on what type of program is required.
Tier IV sexual offenses
These are sometimes referred to as “statutory” offenses and they include the following crimes: Violation of Sexual Offender Registration Act, Failure to register when required, Failure to update registration information when required, Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Assessment Board requirements and Incest between siblings or relatives.
How do I find a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania?
If you know the name and address of someone who has committed a sexual offense against a child or children, then there are several ways to find out if they are currently on the registry. The easiest way is to search online using their name and date of birth (or other identifying information) and to confirm that they have been convicted by looking on the Pennsylvania State Police website for any details about their crimes, sentencing, etc..
If this person does not appear on the registry, then look back through old newspapers from your area for signs of them being arrested in relation to an incident involving a child under 16 years old – especially if it was some time ago but before 2010 when registration requirements were tightened.
If you find anything then contact the local police department to confirm that they are still on the registry and if not, then ask them what information you need to get in order for them to be removed from it. You can also try contacting your local District Attorney’s office as they may have more details or specific requirements about how to remove someone from the registry.
What do I do if I know a sex offender is living near me?
If you live within 1/2 mile of one of these registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania, then there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family from becoming a victim of this person:
1) Contact your local law enforcement agency and report any suspicious activity that takes place around their residence – especially if it involves children under 16 years old.
2) Make sure that all windows and doors leading outside are locked at night (especially when children are present).
3) Contact the local District Attorney’s office and ask them to initiate an investigation into the actions of this person so that they can be charged with a crime.
4) Encourage other parents in your area to also take steps to protect their children from these offenders as well if they are aware of any crimes being committed against children under 16 years old.
5) Contact the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) for more information about ways that you can help protect children from becoming victims of sexual abuse.
Pennsylvania white pages offer more options on how to find registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania, check them out and give them a try.