Every parent and renter should know how to do this. It takes 2 minutes.
Step 1: Texas DPS Sex Offender Registry Go to publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry
You can search by:
- Name
- Zip code
- Address (radius search: 1 mile, 2 miles, etc.)
- City
- County
Step 2: Understand the risk levels
- Level 1 (Low): Least likely to re-offend based on assessment
- Level 2 (Moderate): Moderate risk
- Level 3 (High): Highest risk. Community notification required.
Step 3: Know the restrictions Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62:
- Registered sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, parks, or playgrounds
- They must register with local law enforcement and update their address within 7 days of moving
- Failure to register is a state jail felony (minimum)
Step 4: What to do if you find an offender near you
- Don't panic. The registry exists so you can be informed.
- Don't confront them. It's legal for them to live there (outside the restricted zones).
- Talk to your kids about safety without creating fear.
- If you believe they're violating restrictions, report to local PD.
Additional resource: National Sex Offender Public Website (nsopw.gov) for cross-state searches.
Sources:
- Texas DPS — Sex Offender Registry (publicsite.dps.texas.gov)
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 62
- NSOPW.gov — National registry search
Run your address. Know your surroundings.