Now that America is freaking out over the Coronavirus, the question is how the panic over this virus is impacting that other great panic in our society, namely "Predator Panic." (Unsurprisingly, Predator Panic is still strong despite having a REAL emergency on our hands thanks both to LEOs and the Media.)
Despite how anyone feels about the nation's response to the Coronavirus, it has led to a major disruption in our personal lives. Non-essential business are being shut down, large gatherings are outlawed, and sporting events and other popular venues have canceled. This is even impacting the criminal justice system, as jails have canceled visits and jury trials suspended in many locations. If we ever wanted to know how America would handle a pandemic, we're learning now whether those dystopian movies and novels accurately portray how things would progress.
Among the panic, news stories are popping up to discuss how local police are handling this panic. However, while other police services are suspended, like education or family visits to the jail, fingerprinting for job background checks, and so forth, many police departments are STILL requiring registration. Over the course of this outbreak, I'll be posting any stories I can find where registration is mentioned in news reports concerning the outbreak response. States and territories are listed alphabetically.
COVID-19 panic is not having much impact on Predator Panic. The FBI and victim cult leaders are already exploiting Predator Panic, while the private registry company OffenderWatch is hiring more workers to expand their registry sites. Emergency shelter in Florida and California are denying services to registrants as well. Illinois is being sued to release registrants who completed their sentences but are being detained for having no residence. Broward Co. FL let an inmate held for FTR die without giving adequate care. However, some prisoners have been able to get a "compassionate release" under limited circumstances.
IF YOU MUST REGISTER DURING THIS TIME, CALL YOUR REGISTRATION OFFICE BEFORE GOING IN TO REGISTER!
The information listed below has been taken from various press releases and media reports of police stations/ courthouse closures. Some have also been taken from police-run Facebook pages (which is stupid since registered persons are excluded from FB).
Many registry offices are still conducting registration even as other services are closed, and since interpretation of the laws are so strict, if you anticipate a hospital stay, you may need to register beforehand. (For anyone who thinks I'm joking around, READ THIS ARTICLE, where a registrant on paper was locked up for missing a probation meeting due to sickness.)
I am going to do my best to post all info I can gather but there nearly 18,000 police agencies in this country, 3142 County or equivalent jurisdictions. As of 2018, there are 19,495 incorporated cities, towns and villages in the United States. 14,768 of these have populations below 5,000. Only ten have populations above 1 million and none are above 10 million. 310 cities are considered at least medium cities with populations of 100,000 or more. This means that I have my work cut out for me.
Please send any press releases you find to me at iamthefallen1@yahoo.com, provide links if online or a scanned copy of any letters by mail. This isn't the time to withhold info from one another because we are rival groups, but it seems I'm not going to get cooperation from anyone else. As of 3/20, only FAC is collecting info but only for Florida, and you have to read the comment section rather than the actual article.
(I'm not going to keep up with stories on pre-trial releases but of the news stories discussing releases of low-level offenders from jails, it shouldn't come as a shock but anyone accused/ convicted of a sex offense will not receive any early releases due to the outbreak.)
INTERSTATE COMPACTS ARE ALSO IMPACTED: For the latest changes on Interstate Compacts due to COVID-19, go to https://www.interstatecompact.org/covid19
ON A RELATED NOTE, REGISTRANTS ARE NOT EXCLUDED FROM THE COVID-19 "STIMULUS CHECKS", but if you haven't filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and you have not received Social Security, SSDI, Railroad Retirement, or SSI payments, you'll have to fill out a form even if you paid no taxes. The IRS created a form for people who have not filed taxes or collect social security, go to the following link then click the big blue button that says :Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" to give the IRS a place to send the stimulus payment -- https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
HOWEVER, SOME REGISTERED PERSONS CANNOT GET SMALL BUSINESS LOANS: Registered Citizens with crimes against minors and certain pornography offenses are banned from
receiving Federal Small Business Loans thanks to the passage of H.R.5297, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, 111th Congress (2009-2010). This implies that any small business loans, even the ones being granted by the CARES Act
LAST UPDATED 7:45 pm CST, 06/10/2020
Agency Notices (It should be noted some of these are vague, so this could is made as accurate as possible)
Still requires In-Person Registration -- 76
Agencies requiring call to make arrangements -- 67
Agencies allowing registration via phone/ internet/ email -- 52
Agencies suspending registration operations -- 13
TOTAL AGENCIES -- 208
ALABAMA
Colbert County: Via Facebook PM reply, 4/6/20 - Have you made any changes to sex offense registration as the result of covid-19? Their response, "No we still have to follow the law and make them register and be on time with it all. All of our sex offenders have been very compliant by coming to courthouse when we call to re-schedule their appointments. They come to the security entry at front door and we take the paperwork to them to sign at the front door. That way people are not coming inside the building unless it's absolutely necessary. It has been working very well so far." I was notified the Sheriff's office is initiating the calls to the registrants, not the other way around.
From CCSO website, 3/18/20 - "Sex Offender registration is still available. Tell the
guard at the entrance that you are there to do your quarterly registration."
Geneva County: Facebook, 4/2/20 - "Due to COVID-19 virus no SEX OFFENDER out of State or out of Country Travel Permits will be issued by the Geneva County Sheriff's Office."
Jackson County: Facebook, 3/16/20 - "Due to the Jackson County Courthouse closing, Any sex offender needing to register in the month of March shall do so as soon as possible in the month of April. (Courthouse scheduled to reopen April 6). Travel Permits by pre-approval only. Any offenders needing to report a change in address shall do so via email: ericwoodall@jcch.net or phone 256-574-2610 (leave name, old address, new address, current phone number)" UPDATE, Facebook, 4/28/20 - SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION: Please report as required for May 2020 and have all necessary information available."
Marshall County: Facebook, 4/4/20 - "FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MARSHALL COUNTY SHERIFF...Phone: 256-582-2034 **Sex Offender Registration*** Due to the sheriff's office trying to eliminate as much of the walk in traffic as possible, sex offender registration will be done by phone interviews. Phone interviews will continue April and throughout May. As June approaches we will reevaluate. If you do not have the correct phone number listed it will be up to you to call for your phone interview. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation." UPDATE, Gadsden Times, 5/12/20 - "Because the lobby area does not meet social distancing guidelines, Court Clerk Amanda McCormick said in a post shared by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, sex offenders will report by phone for the month of June, and the procedure will be reevaluated for July. If an offender does not have the correct phone number on file, it will be the offender’s responsibility to call and report."
Lauderdale County: Facebook PM response to inquiry, 4/9/20 - "Report to the courthouse and check in with the deputy at the door."
Northport PD: Email from registrant, 4/8/20 - "FYI: My city is also requiring in-person reporting. Northport, AL."
Montgomery County: Via Facebook PM, 4/6/20 - "Has any changes to in-person sex offense registration been made in response to COVID-19? Their answer, "In person registration has been temporarily suspended until the Governor's stay-home order has been lifted. Changes of address may be done over the phone (334-832-7701). If you have any further questions, you may call that number. Thank you."
Tuscaloosa County: As reported to me by a fellow activist via email, 4/7/20 - "FYI: Tuscaloosa County, AL, is still requiring in-person reporting at the Sheriff's Office. DK about my city's reporting, yet, can't seem to reach their rep. I haven't friended or followed them on FB so don't know. Can't find anything on the sheriff dept's website (I checked FB today, no notices). So I called to see. Was told, "well, the law hasn't changed so yes, you have to report here." Today's procedure was a little different. I went in the main entrance like usual, gave them my money and ID. But then they sent me back outside and around to a side door to reenter and meet the representative. Usually, I have to initial about 4 pages of S.O. Don'ts (all of which threaten a Class C felony charge for violation). Didn't have to today. Still don't know about my city's policy...." Followup from same person, 4/8/20 "FYI: My city is also requiring in-person reporting. Northport, AL."
Walker County: Facebook, 3/27/20 - "Walker County Sheriff's Office, March 27 at 2:22 PM · Notice to all Registerd Sex Offenders: Starting in the month of April, all Sex Offender quarterly registrations will be done at the home of the individual. Someone from the Sheriff’s Office will come to visit and bring the required forms."
ALASKA
Statewide: Generally, registrations are done by mail aside from the initial registration so no changes tend to be needed for this state.
ARIZONA
Bullhead City PD: Mohave Valley Daily News, 3/30/30 - "Sex offenders may call 928-763-9200 to comply with registration requirements."
Maricopa County: Email, 4/20/20 - "The only current change is that the registrant(s) need to enter through the West end of the Superior Court Building-111 S Third Ave. The hours have also been temporarily changed to 830am -430pm. Respectfully, Lt. D. Whelan S1789, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Division, 550 W. Jackson St, Phoenix AZ 85003, 602-876-2083 Office, 602-876-9695 Fax."
Pinal County: Pinal Co website, accessed 4/10/20 - "PCSO has closed public lobbies at all of our substations and jail to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our locations remain fully staffed. Please call our receptionist if you have any questions. Our substation locations and their corresponding phone numbers can be found here: https://bit.ly/2TYV4ie . The lobby of our main station in Florence will stay open. Fingerprinting will only be available to sex offenders mandated by law."
Yuma County: From YCSO Website, accessed 5/10/20 - "ATTENTION - In an effort to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Compliance Team will be changing the Sex Offender Registration procedures.
Sex offenders must still register and submit any updates or changes. Homeless offenders must check in every 90 days.
Until further notice, in-person appointments are not needed for:
New (initial) sex offender registrations. Offenders registering for the first time, i.e., newly convicted, new to the state of Arizona, must call the Sex Offender Compliance Team.
Address changes. Instead, address changes may be submitted by completing the “Sex Offender Registration” AND the “Notice of Address or Name Change Requirements Per Arizona Revised Statutes” forms.
Sex Offender Registration forms: The “Sex Offender Registration” along with “Notice of Address or Name Change Requirements Per Arizona Revised Statutes” forms are available in the front lobby of the YCSO main office located at 141 S. Third Avenue, Yuma, AZ. The forms (stapled together) should be filled out completely, dated and signed. Lastly, place completed forms in the box marked “Sex Offender Forms”, also located in the front lobby.
You can also download the forms and mail them in. Click links below to download the forms:
Sex Offender Registration form (PDF fill-in)
Notice of Address or Name Change Requirements Per Arizona Revised Statutes (PDF fill-in)
Once the forms are completed, print and sign the forms and mail them to the address below:
Yuma County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Sex Offender Compliance
141 S. Third Avenue
Yuma, AZ 85364
As always, you may call or email the Sex Offender Compliance Team with any questions.
Tel: (928) 783-4427
Cindy McGuire - Ext. 3024
Deputy Jacob Meyer - Ext. 3022
Email: SOCompliance@ycso.yumacountyaz.gov
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
CALIFORNIA
STATEWIDE: Modesto Bee, 3/19/20 -"Police Department lobbies around the county also closed Wednesday except to provide a few select services, including registering sex offenders and providing releases on vehicles that have been towed. Some departments are requesting people first schedule an appointment first." UPDATE - Gov. Newsom Press Release 5/8/20 - Under Executive Order N-63-20, section 15, the Governor encourages (but not obligates) sex offense registration to be conducted by phone:
"Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to adopt telephonic, remote, or other procedures for registration and reporting under the Sex Offender Registration Act that are consistent with State and local public health guidance regarding physical distancing, and to post or publicize such procedures through means calculated to reach any person subject to the Act.
a) To the extent that a law enforcement agency institutes telephonic, remote, or other procedures to enable physical distancing, all provisions of the Sex Offender Registration Act (Penal Code sections 290 to 290.024, inclusive) and implementing procedures that require persons subject to the Act
to appear in person, and all provisions of the Act and implementing procedures that require such persons to provide a signature, fingerprints, and photograph, are suspended for 60 days.
b) To ensure that lack of technology does not prevent any individual from complying with registration and reporting requirements, law enforcement agencies are encouraged to provide alternative means of registration and reporting, including permitting the physical presence of registrants consistent with State and local public health guidance regarding physical distancing.
-The requirement to register and all other registration and reporting requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act remain in place. " UPDATE - guidelines for implementing this order can be found HERE.
The Alliance For Constitutional Sex Offense laws (ACSOL) has filed lawsuits against in-person registration during the Coronavirus lockdown, although none have been successful.
Alameda County: KTVU, 5/13/20 - "The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office... are still doing registrations, officials with the district attorney’s office said."
Berkeley PD: KTVU, 5/13/20 - "The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office along with the cities of Hayward, San Leandro, and Berkeley are still doing registrations, officials with the district attorney’s office said."
Crescent City PD: Del Norte Triplicate, 3/24/20 - "• Sex offender registrations will continue as scheduled once a week."
Fresno PD: Facebook, 5/15/20 - "Due to the current State of Emergency as a result of COVID-19, the Fresno Police Department has modified the sex offender registration process to stay consistent with State and local public health guidelines regarding physical distancing. If you are required to register as a sex offender in the State of California and reside within the City of Fresno, you can still report to register at 110 “M” Street, Fresno, CA 93721 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 09:00am -12:00pm. The registration office has established procedures during this time to allow for physical distancing and request that individuals maintain a minimum of 6 feet from other people. The registration process is currently taking place outside of the registration office to allow for greater physical distancing. The registration officers are visually confirming the registrant’s identity and verbally confirming the registrant’s current information is correct and up to date (address, phone number, vehicle information, etc.) prior to updating the person’s registration. Pursuant to Executive Order N-63-20 signed by Governor Gavin Newsome on May, 7th 2020, these procedures will be in place for a minimum of 60 days from that date. If you are sick, believe that you possibly have COVID-19, or have medical conditions or other concerns, please contact the PC 290 Unit at (559) 600-8068 or email the PC Unit at PC290Unit@fresno.gov so other arrangements can be made to update your registration without requiring registrants to physically respond to the registration office. For further questions regarding sex offenders living in the community, please review Sexual Offenders Registration link on the City of Fresno’s website at https://www.fresno.gov/…/sex…/sexual-offenders-registration/
If you suspect an offender is out of compliance, please contact the department’s PC 290 Unit at 559-600-8068 or PC290Unit@fresno.gov"
Hayward PD: KTVU, 5/13/20 - "The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office along with the cities of Hayward, San Leandro, and Berkeley are still doing registrations, officials with the district attorney’s office said."
Hollister PD: KION 5/46, 5/19/20 - "Governor Newsom signed an executive order allowing law enforcement agencies to register sex offenders remotely, but the Hollister Police Department said it will not be making any changes. Police said they are aware of the need to monitor sex offenders, so despite the order, they said the department will continue to register sex offenders without modifying the current process. The department said it has put up a barrier in the front lobby to protect staff and has trained employees to use masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Executive Order N-63-20 went into effect on May 7, and it encourages law enforcement agencies to use telephonic, remote or other means for registration and reporting. They need to be consistent with physical distancing guidelines laid out by health officials, and agencies are encouraged to post those procedures so they are accessible to anyone subject to the Sex Offender Registration Act. The order said fingerprints, signatures, initials and photographs of a registrant will not be required for the next 60 days. Sex offenders living in Hollister are asked to call 831-636-4330 to make an appointment for a yearly registration update. Transient sex offenders need to register every 30 days."
Los Angeles PD: From ACSOL, 3/25/20 - "The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has stopped all in-person registration of individuals required to register as a sex offender in that city. In place of in -person registration, LAPD is allowing individuals to register by telephone." See ACSOL for full list of phone numbers.
Mountain View PD: Los Altos Town Crier, 3/19/20 - " The Mountain View Police Department is also closed to visitors, but essential services like vehicle release and sex offender registration are available with appointments."
Oakland PD: KTVU News, 5/13/20 - "Due to the threat from the coronavirus, the Oakland Police Department has closed its registry unit where many of the city’s sex offenders are required to check in every month, officials said. Now, the city of Oakland has no up-to-date addresses or other important information on hundreds of offenders – particularly transient sex offenders – raising concerns from victims' advocates and offenders who are trying to register alike... The Oakland Police Department did not elaborate on the closure, only saying the I.D. and Offender Registry Unit is closed “due to the COVID19 pandemic” and “the registration process has been suspended"... Anyone who fails to register in those cities can still be prosecuted. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said it is coordinating with the Oakland Police Department and will not file any cases for offenders failing to register after the office closed on March 16. But offenders who are in violation can still be arrested. And the Oakland Police Department has not said whether it’s coordinating with other counties."
UPDATE KTVU, 5/15/20 - "After receiving questions about its shuttered sex offender registry unit by KTVU, the Oakland Police Department said it began allowing offenders to register remotely or in-person on Tuesday."
San Francisco: KTVU News, 5/13/20 - "San Francisco is giving registrants a form to fill out with a temporary waiver for other requirements."
San Leandro PD: KTVU News, 5/13/20 - "The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office along with the cities of Hayward, San Leandro, and Berkeley are still doing registrations, officials with the district attorney’s office said."
Santa Maria PD: KEYT 3, 3/20/20 - "Records staff will be available to the public by appointment only for services such as a vehicle release or sex offender registration. You can reach SMPD's Non-Emergency Line at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2950 or pdrecords@cityofsantamaria.org.
Solano County: The Daily Republic, 3/20/20 - "• Sex offender registration is still active."
Sutter County: Appeal-Democrat, 3/20/20 - "Sex offender registrants are being asked not to come to the sheriff’s office but to instead call the records department at 822-4393 for instructions."
Vallejo PD: Times Herald Online, 6/9/20 - "The Vallejo Police Department is temporarily modifying its sex offender registration process to include telephonic and appointment-based registrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. New or existing registrant or a registrant required to update his/her status as a sex offender under California penal codes 290 PC and/or 457.1 PC, must update their status by calling the Vallejo Police Department’s telephonic registration line at (707) 917-4124, according to a new release from the police department. 'If you are a registrant without telephone access or who has special needs, you will be permitted to schedule an in-person appointment to register,' Vallejo Police Department spokesperson Brittany K. Jackson said. 'In order to help prevent and reduce exposure to COVID-19, all registrants with in-person appointments must adhere to guidelines requiring physical distancing and the use of face masks, cloth coverings or other personal protective equipment (PPE). (Refer to City Council Emergency Order No. 20-006) The Vallejo Police Department will provide surgical face masks for those without masks.'"
Yuba City PD: Appeal-Democrat, 3/20/20 - "Sex offender registrations are still being done on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m."
Yuba County Sheriff: Appeal-Democrat, 3/20/20 - "Registered sex offenders who are due to change information should not come to the office but call 749-5117."
COLORADO
STATEWIDE: per Governor's Executive Order D-2020-029, "I temporarily suspend the requirement in C.R.S. § 16-22-108(6) that any person required to register as a sex offender shall sit for a current photograph or image and shall supply a set of fingerprints to verify the person’s identity to local law enforcement, to provide local law enforcement agencies with discretion to determine the manner of registration in light of social distancing requirements in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mandate to register remains unchanged."
Alamosa County: Facebook, 3/24/20 - "We will also continue to provide sex offender registration, as well. If you have any questions please call the Sheriff's Office at (719) 589-6608."
Cacon City: CCPD Facebook page, 4/28/20 - "CCPD Reopening Process: All of the services below will require an appointment prior to being provided... 5. Sex Offender Registration: Must pick up of forms in advance."
Denver PD: DenverGov.org website, Date Unknown - "Attention! No in person Sex Offender Registrations are being completed during the Covid 19 restrictions. Phone registrations are being completed at this time. Please visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation website to complete the required registration forms: https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/dps/sor/index.jsf Once the forms are completed contact the Sex Offender Registration Unit via the Hotline at 720-913-6511. The unit can be contacted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m."
Douglas County: DCSO website, 4/8/20 - "Effective April 8, 2020, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be following Executive Order D 2020 029 ordering the temporary suspension of certain regulatory statutes due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado to include the following regarding Sex Offender Registration: I temporarily suspend the requirement in C.R.S. § 16-22-108(6) that any person required to register as a sex offender shall sit for a current photograph or image and shall supply a set of fingerprints to verify the person’s identity to local law enforcement, to provide local law enforcement agencies with discretion to determine the manner of registration in light of social distancing requirements in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE MANDATE TO REGISTER REMAINS UNCHANGED AND RESIDENCY VERIFICATIONS ARE STILL BEING COMPLETED PER STATE STATUTE. THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE IS STILL REGISTERING SEX OFFENDERS, however, all Sex Offender Registrations will be completed over the phone only, until further notice. This phone registration process includes: NEW Sex Offender Registrations- TRANSFER of Sex Offender Registrations from another Law Enforcement Agency or out of state. - RE-REGISTRATION OF Sex Offenders already in the DCSO SOTAR database. - RESIDENCY CHANGES of Sex Offenders within Douglas County.
To request a phone registration appointment, contact Administrative Specialist Patricia Ognie with the Sex Offender Registration Department at 303-784-7820. Leave your name, date of birth and a phone number, and you will be contacted to set up a phone registration appointment. Those Sex Offenders that are required to sit for a current photograph and/or fingerprints (C.R.S. § 16-22-108(6) will be contacted when restrictions are lifted to complete these items and the appropriate fees will be collected."
Evans PD: Greeley Tribune, 3/17/20 - For sex offender registrations, people must call ahead at (970) 339-2441 to make an appointment.
Grand County: Facebook, 3/17/20 - "Sex Offender Registration will be submitted electronically please email records@co.grand.co.us or call 970-725-3343"
Greeley PD: Greeley Tribune, 3/17/20 - All requests for police reports must be handled by phone, by dialing (970) 350-9627, or through the online report request form, which can be accessed at greeleypd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Records-Request.pdf. The only exceptions will be sex offender registrations or emergency situations.
Larimer County: Facebook, 3/17/20 - "Larimer County Sheriff's Office, March 17 at 9:59 AM, Sex Offender Registration, Effective immediately, sex offender registration will only be conducted over the phone. If you need to register, call Harry Bowen, Sex Offender Registration Unit, 970-498-5142. Also mentioned on the LCSO website. UPDATE, Facebook, 5/4/20 - Registration has resumed, call for appointment
Littleton PD: LittletonGov.org, Date unknown - "Attention! No in-person sex offender registrations are being completed during the COVID-19 restrictions, Phone registrations are being completed at this time. Contact the Sex Offender Registration Unit at 303-795-3890 Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m and 1 – 3 p.m. IMPORTANT: Penalties for failure to comply with mandatory sex offender registration are substantial. In most cases, violation of the registration requirement constitutes a separate offense."
Northglenn PD: Northglenn website, accessed 5/10/20 - "Due to the COVID-19 restrictions all appointments will be conducted over the phone. Please do not come to the Police Department. A police employee will contact you by phone at your appointment date/time to complete your registration."
Washington County: WCSO website, accessed 4/19/20 - "CITIZENS NEEDING TO REGISTER OR UPDATE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION NEED TO CALL OUR OFFICE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, SO WE CAN MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE AN APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE ALL PAPERWORK."
Weld County: Greeley Tribune, 3/16/20 - "The administration office’s main lobby (1950 O St., Greeley) will remain open for civil services, fine payment, sex offender registration and processing conceal carry permits. Conceal carry permit holders who need to renew their license before April 8 can receive a 30-day extension."
Windsor PD: Coloradan, 3/16/20 - "All VIN check, fingerprinting and sex offender registration house check services that are beyond what's required by law are temporarily suspended.'
CONNECTICUT
State Police: Hartford Courant, 3/17/20 - "The Connecticut State Police closed its 11 troops to the public except in cases of emergency. Licenses that expire on or after March 1 will be granted a 90-day extension. State police headquarters in Middletown will remain open for limited services — fingerprinting for long-term care providers and for sex offenders and deadly weapon offenders who are required to register with the state."
DELAWARE
SBI Dover Office: DE State Police, 3/20/20 - "Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, our Dover location will change operations from a walk-in facility to appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled by calling: 302-739-2528. THIS CHANGE DOES NOT APPLY TO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONTINUE TO REPORT AS REQUIRED."
FLORIDA
The Florida Action Committee group is monitoring the registry offices. (They could use some work on keeping the info at the top of their pages, however. You have to read the comment sections to see the updates. Some info posted is by word of mouth so please call the registry office anyways if in doubt.) According to FAC, Florida laws allow you to register at any registry office in the state even if it is a different county.
Alachua County: ACSO website, 3/20/20 - "Offender Registration: All criminal registration is still ongoing during normal lobby hours."
Brevard County: Space Coast Daily, 3/21/20 - "BCSO facilities that will remain in operation include the Animal Care Center, the Brevard County Jail Complex, Parkway Complex, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Port Badging Office and the Criminal Investigative Services Sex Offender/Predator lobby. All Brevard County Courthouses will remain open to the public."
Columbia County: CCSO website, 3/26/20 - "NEW REGISTRATION: Any sexual offender or predator who has just moved to Columbia County must call (386) 758-1095 and make an appointment to complete your registration process. Please note that you still must adhere to the 48-hour statutory requirements of registering. Any violations of this requirement will be strictly enforced by this agency. You will not be permitted to enter the building unless you have a scheduled appointment with our SOP Unit. RE-REGISTRATION: If you are due to re-register for the months of March or April 2020, a member from our SOP Unit will be contacting you to make arrangements to complete this process."
Hernando County: Tampa Bay Times, 3/23/20 - "Sex offender and felon registration will continue." From HCSO website, 3/19/20 - "Fingerprinting Closed: IN AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION, THE HCSO WILL NOT BE PROVIDING FINGERPRINT SERVICES UNLESS REQUIRED BY LAW FOR A FELON OR SEXUAL OFFENDER/PREDATOR."
Jackson County: Dothan Eagle, 3/20/20 - "Sexual offender, sexual predator and felony criminal registration will be postponed until April 6. On April 6, registrants need to call the Sheriff’s Office to check in for the registration schedule."
Jacksonville/ Duval County: The JSO website posted notice their lobby was closed to the public specifically on 3/27/20 but made no mention of registration.
Marion County: Ocala News, 5/27/20 - "A convicted sex offender from Ocala says he failed to register in April as required by law because he was in quarantine. Christopher Anthony Votos...was charged recently with failing to register biannually as a sex offender... Florida Department of Law Enforcement records show he has registered 10 time since his conviction. On May 19, Votos reported to the lobby of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Predator Unit (SOPU) to update his vehicle information. A deputy checked the FDLE offender watch and saw Votos had not registered in Marion or any other Florida county, nor had he been arrested, during the month of April, according to the sheriff’s office arrest report. A sign had been posted March 30 on the front door of the SOPU saying the lobby would be closed temporarily and registrations would be conducted through the lobby door, due to the threat of COVID-19 contamination. The sign instructed offenders to wait in line a safe distance from one another, and when it was his or her turn to register, to approach the door and call the phone number on the sign. Registration would then be conducted through the door, the report said. Votos told the deputy he reported to the office on both April 1 and 2, and he had called the number listed on the sign both days. He said he left voice messages both days and then went into quarantine for a month. Votos said he knew he should have come back to register but he thought he would get a call back from the voice mail he left, according to the report. After being read his Miranda warning, Votos told the deputy he said what he had to say, and if there were any more questions, he wanted his lawyer present. He said he was complying with what the governor said to do. Votos agreed he should have made another attempt during the month to see if the office was open, the report said..."
Okaloosa County: FHN Radio/ Destin Log, 3/19/20 - "The OCSO is also suspending all elective fingerprinting, with the exception of statutorily mandated fingerprinting such as arrestees and sexual offender registrations, the release said." A registrant on FAC posted the following in the comment section: "904-630-8633 is the correct NEW number...I did my registration over the phone. Took about 5 minutes. The $25 fee is being waived."
Orange County: OCSO website, Date Unknown - "To minimize unnecessary community contact, our Central Operations Complex and our sector substations will be closed to the general public. If assistance is needed for... Sex Offender Registration, Career Criminal Registration, Please use the West Side entrance facing John Young Parkway."
Osceola County: OCSO website, accessed 5/13/20 - "Until further notice, the lobby will be closed and fingerprint services suspended. If you need to speak to someone during business hours, please press the red call button on the wall outside of the lobby doors and a staff member will assist you.
Felon Registry: (407) 348-1166; Sex Offender Registry: (321) 697-4378"
(It was noted on FAC one registrant reported the registration was conducted by phone.)
Palm Beach County: PBSO Website, accessed 4/8/20 - "Registration Information
Please Note: Due to COVID-19 ALL Criminal Registrations are currently being conducted via phone. Sex Offenders/Sexual Predators are still required to show up in person. Please call 561-688-4990, -4931, or -4932."
Pasco County: Facebook, 3/13/20 - "The only activities that will be conducted at the jail for the public will be: Felony Registration, Sex Offender Registration..."
Sarasota County: Herald Tribune, 3/23/20 - "Sex offenders and sexual predators are no longer required to report to the county’s correctional facility and are instead asked to report to 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for registration. All criminal and career offender registrations will still take place at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility at 2020 Main St. because of legal requirements."
Seminole County: Seminole County Clerk, Accessed 4/9/20 - "Florida Registrant Address Update
Sexual Offender, Sexual Predator, and Career Offender registrants who are unable to comply with statutory requirements due to COVID-19 office closures should complete this form and following the provided instructions. (Form - https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/registrant_address_update_request.pdf )
GEORGIA
Troup County: Facebook, 4/2/20 - "NEWS RELEASE, 4/2/2020, In light of the COVID-19, Coronavirus outbreak, and Governor Brian Kemps “Shelter in Place” Executive Order, the decision has been made to limit public access to the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. Exceptions will be made to those handling bonding procedures and those utilizing the inmate account kiosk. All in-person request for incident and accident reports, criminal background checks, and non-criminal fingerprinting services have been suspended. Those who are mandated to report to the Sheriff’s Office for sex offender registration will continue to do so."
HAWAII
STATEWIDE: West Hawaii Today, 3/30/20 - Hawaii's Gov. issued an executive order, "In addition, the executive order suspends certain state laws to allow counties and state agencies to engage in emergency management functions in regard to firearms registrations, wages and hours for government contractors, charter school rules, controlled substances registrations and dispensing, criminal history record checks, notary publics, sex offender registrations and certain employment and workers compensation laws." See also Hawaii Executive Order 20-02, signed 3/30/20 - "The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), in order for county and state agencies to engage in emergency management functions as defined in section 127A-2, HRS... Chapter 846E, HRS, registration of sex offenders and other covered offenders and public access to registration information, to the extent necessary to suspend any requirement that a covered offender must come into close physical contact with an agency with jurisdiction, the attorney general, or chief of police, or their designees to satisfy any element of this section."
Maui PD: Facebook, 3/27/20 - "Effective immediately, to request a copy of a police report, arrange property pickup, or schedule a sex offender registration appointment: - Call (808) 244-6355 between 08:30am and 3:30pm to speak with a member of our staff, or - Mail us your report request along with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to: Maui Police Department Records Section, 55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793"
Wailuku PD: Maui News, 3/24/20 - "Those wanting to obtain a copy of a police report or register as a sex offender were told to call 984-4070."
IDAHO
Bannock County: ID State Journal, 3/27/20 - "The Sheriff’s Office administrative office will be closed to the public as well, but will have limited staff available to answer questions by phone Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be reached at the following numbers: 208-236-7123 — For questions concerning: concealed weapons, fingerprints, law enforcement reports and sex offender registration."
Benewah County: Facebook, 3/18/20 - "Sex Offender Registration will be available, by appointment, for paperwork portion only. An offender may need to return at a later time to do finger and palm prints. Please call our office @ 208-245-2555 For more information and to arrange your appointment."
Bingham County: Post Register, 3/26/20 - "We will not be doing fingerprints for the next 21 days nor will we be doing concealed weapons permits due to the State being closed. We will also not be doing Sex Offender registrations for the next 21 days."
Bonneville County: Local News 8, 3/14/20 - "BONNEVILLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES will only conduct essential services, including concealed weapon license and sex offender registration by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Bonneville County Driver License Office at 208-529-1374 , Concealed Weapon License-Sex Offender Registration at 208-529-1350, extension 1524, or the Bonneville County Motor Vehicle Department at 208-529-1350, extension 1330. During those calls, officials can determine your eligibility and the information you'll need to conduct your business."
Clearwater County: Facebook, 3/30/20 - "Clearwater County, Idaho, March 30 at 4:29 PM, From the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office: the drivers license office is available for Hazmat or sex offender registration by appointment only. Please call 208-476-8970 to make an appointment or email: dnaden@clearwatercounty,org "
Lewis County: Lewis County Free Press, 3/19/20 - "Sex Offender registration can be done via telephone. Signature and prints will be completed by appointment only through the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office." (# is 208-937-2447)
Payette County: Argus Observer, 3/25/20 - "The Payette County Sheriff’s Office has cancelled in-person inmate visitation. The following services will be available by phone: Sex offender registrations..."
ILLINOIS
STATEWIDE: Per Notice from the State of Illinois, accessed 5/10/20 - "Registrants
In light of COVID-19, the Illinois State Police would like to provide some additional guidance
with respect to offender registration pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act and/or
Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act. At this time, offender
registration requirements have not been suspended. Amid social distancing recommendations
surrounding concerns with COVID-19, registrants should contact their registering law
enforcement agency for guidance on their respective registration procedures during this
emergency situation. Inquiries regarding administrative extensions will be addressed by the
Illinois State Police once normal operations resume. Questions or concerns regarding
registration, compliance or the law enforcement agency’s procedures should be directed to the
registrant’s local law enforcement agency."
DeKalb County: Facebook, 3/20/20 - "To limit exposure to our employees and to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, The Public Safety Building will be closed to the public without an appointment until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as Safety is our main concern. We are providing phone numbers for the Departments in this building to assist you: JAIL/SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION 815-895-4177"
Effingham PD: Facebook, 3/23/20 - "SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION – Contact dispatch on the red phone and provide your information. Your record will be updated in the computer, but you will not receive a paper copy at this time. All information will be documented, and you will remain compliant with the State of Illinois."
Joliet PD: Facebook PM, 4/19/20 - "According to our Investigations Division, we are still registering at the station as normal. Appointments are still required is well."
Round Lake Park PD: Daily Herald, 4/13/20 - "Round Lake Park police have implemented a modified sex offender online registration system to insure the safety of officers without compromising public safety. OffenderWatch Express Check-In cuts processing time of re-registration and address updates considerably by allowing offenders to pre-enter certain data before appearing in front of an officer. It also reduces in-person contact by having registrants update information online ahead of the in-person interview. Officers receive messages when a registrant has submitted updates for his/her file and can view the pending list of submitted registration updates. After it is reviewed and accepted, the update is applied to the record in registry database." Also posted on the PLPPD website as well as on nextdoor.com, a website that bans registrants from using their services.
Warren County: Facebook, 3/16/20 - "Sex offender registration is still required." UPDATE Review Atlas, 3/20/20 - "Sheriff 734-8505. No inmate visiting. No fingerprint services. No evictions. Only persons with specific business are to enter the Sheriff’s Office lobby. No others allowed to accompany. Sex offender registration is still required."
Will County: WCSO website, 3/16/20 - "2) If you need to speak to a deputy, need to register as a sex offender, or need to pick up evidence in your reported case please call the non-emergency number at 815-727-8575 and ask to speak to the appropriate division personnel."
INDIANA
Elkhart County: ABC 57, 3/30/20 - "Questions regarding the Sex and Violent Offender registry can be asked by calling 574-891-2347."
Grant County: Chronicle Tribune, 3/26/20 - "Sex offender homeless registry: Go to the jail side of the complex and call 2112 or 2120 on the black phone on the brown pole."
Hamilton County: Ham. Co. gov't website, accessed 4/19/20 - "HCSO: Crucial sex offender registration and verification will still occur on site."
Kosciusko County: Times Union Online, 3/24/20 - "Registrants for Indiana Sex or Violent Offender Registry requirements should contact Deputy Charlene Johnson at 574-264-2209 for an appointment."
Lake County: KPC News, 3/24/20 - "Public access to the department will continue to be available for law enforcement matters, essential administrative and mandatory reporting requirements, such as sex offender registry."
Noble County: NCSO website, 4/9/20 - "Beginning April 13th 2020, The Noble County Sheriff’s Department front lobby will be open by appointment only (Monday – Friday 8am-4pm). Please call 260-636-2182 to schedule an appointment for gun permits, sex offender registry and any other need requiring business with the Noble County Sheriff’s Office."
Vanderburgh County: From VCSO website, 4/7/20 - Noting there was no actual changes made to registration, the VCSO brags, "The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unanticipated side effect for the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Sex and Violent Offender Registry. Sex offenders have become much easier to track.As many residents are forced to stay home due to travel, school and work restrictions, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office continues to patrol and protect our neighborhoods. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to make unannounced visits to the 360 plus homes of registered sex or violent offenders in Vanderburgh County. This is to ensure they are abiding by the terms of their registration and the restrictions incurred as a result of the current pandemic.Deputies checking on registrants are careful to maintain social distance and avoid any close contact in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Sheriff Dave Wedding explained, “We are taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and have taken drastic steps to protect all of our residents, personnel, and the inmates at the jail. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to enforce any violations of the Sex or Violent Offender Registry found during any of these home verifications."From an enforcement perspective, the benefit of more people being home may not seem readily apparent. One of the major violations a sex offender can commit is to fail to inform the Sheriff’s Office of a change of address. When a deputy attempts to check on a residence on file for a sex offender and no one at the residence (or neighbors residences) answers the door, the deputy is not necessarily able to make a determination regarding whether the sex offender actually lives there. With more residents staying home, more doors get answered. This results in more opportunities to detect deception on the part of the offender."
IOWA
Black Hawk County: The Courier, 3/19/20 - "Sex offender registrations will be handled via telephone. Individuals subject to registration should call (319) 291-2587, ext. 5103, to register over the phone and paperwork will then be mailed. All existing registration and time requirements remain in place."
Bremer County: NE Iowa Community Newspaper Group, 3/17/20 - "Sex Offenders should call the Sheriff’s Office (at 319-352-5400) using prompt 5.
Clinton County: Clinton Herald, 3/25/20 - "Sheriff’s Office (563-242-9211) Persons needing to register for the Sex Offender Registry may call to make an appointment."
Dallas County: Racoon Valley Radio, 3/27/20 - "Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard says his office has changed their methods for policing the area, including encouraging cite and release for lesser crimes. Leonard says it can be difficult for officers and staff to execute proper social distancing on the job, but emphasizes they’re doing what they can. “Well, we did shut the doors for the public. (Admittance) will be on a case-by-case basis depending on what it is they’re needing. Everything that we do here at the Sheriff’s Office can be done online (like) weapons permits (and) there’s different rules for sex offenders checking in."
Delaware County: Facebook, 3/19/20 - "Sex Offender Registration will still be required. Call 563-927-3135, Option 4, to make an appointment."
Dubuque County: Telegraph Herald, 3/17/20 - "Residents also are urged to avoid coming to the lobby of the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center, except for sex offenders checking in on a monthly basis." Telegraph Herald, 3/23/20 - "Sex offenders completing monthly check-ins will be conducted over the phone."
Jasper County: Facebook, 4/16/20 - "Reference SEX OFFENDER REGISTRANTS/REGISTRY who must update their information: REMINDER our front Civil Office is CLOSED to the public as of 3/24/20. The Department of Public Safety has advised that Registered Sex Offenders may update their registries over the phone at this time. You MUST SPEAK DIRECTLY to a Sheriff’s Civil Office staff member, so you may answer questions we might have. Do not leave a message. Please call 641-841-1203 to register M-F 8 am-4:30 pm. This only applies to those whose month it is to register or those who have updates/changes to their information. The Sheriff’s Office WILL BE CONDUCTING RANDOM HOME CHECKS on Sex Offender Registrants during this time."
Jones County: An email sent to me by a fellow activist tells me, "My son registers with the Jones County, Iowa, Sheriff's office every 3 months. He called them regarding his upcoming appointment on April 9. He was told he can complete the registration via phone and he will be sent a confirmation via email that proves he registered. There is no official statement on this that I've been able to find published anywhere." I will email them to confirm this.
Lyon County: KIWA Radio, 3/18/20 - "Sex offender registry questions should be directed to Deputy Nyron Moore at 712-400-9705."
Marion County: KNIA-KRLS, 5/17/20 - "The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has announced that beginning tomorrow the Marion County Law Enforcement Center will take walk-in appointments for weapons permits, civil paper service and sex offender registry... Residents are asked that when they arrive at the Law Enforcement Center, they enter the first set of doors and press the intercom button to your right. You will need to state your name and that you have a scheduled appointment. The door will then be remotely unlocked, allowing you to enter the lobby. Only one person per scheduled appointment. For more information and to make an appointment click here: https://www.marioncountyiowa.gov and select Book Appointment."
Osceola County: KIWA Radio, 3/18/20 - "For changes to the sex offender registry, they ask you to call and alternate arrangements will be made." Phone number is 712-754-2556
Sioux County: SCSO website, 3/17/20 - "All in-person SOR and SOR related issues are suspended indefinitely. Items that normally required an in-person appearance shall now be handled via phone or email until further notice."
Story County: Facebook, 3/19/20 - "Sex offender registrants may call (515)382-7461 for their in-person verification or registry updates."
KANSAS
Geary County: Mentioned on NARSOL and doubled checked by me per Facebook private message on 4/4/20, this office is requiring registrants to call first to make an appointment.
Johnson County: Verified report from NARSOL, 4/3/20 - "In-person suspended for April and May; call 913-715-5476 instead."
LOUISIANA
Caddo Parish: Shreveport Times, 3/11/20 - "On-site visits to the Caddo Correctional Center have been suspended in an effort to prevent the coronavirus from entering the facility, the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday. Those who must visit the facility — such as attorneys, vendors or convicted sex offenders — will be required to undergo medical screening before entering the jail...Convicted sex offenders who must visit the correctional center to register or maintain compliance with their registration are allowed to visit the jail but will be required to undergo the medical screening...The screening consists of a temperature check and a response to three brief health-related questions."
Grant Parish: KALB, 3/24/20 - "Any issues with 911 permits, address changes or sex offender registry should be directed to Deputy Eric Carter at 627-2021 or carter@grantso.org."
Rapides Parish: From Town Talk (USA Today Network), 3/16/20 - In-person sex offender registry will be restricted to telephone only... Questions, call Sex Offender Registry — 318-484-5334
Shreveport PD: Ark-La-Tex 3/19/20: "Sex Offender Registration will be suspended until April 15, 2020. Sex Crimes investigators are reaching out to those required to register to notify them of the extension. Those needing to schedule an appointment with a Sex Crimes investigator should follow the instructions above."
MAINE
Androscoggin County: Email response, 4/13/20 - "Sex Offenders are currently calling our Detective Sergeant who oversees the sex offender registrations and checking in by phone. They are not coming to the office in person. The sergeant is keeping a log of the date they call in, any changes, and once the restrictions are lifted he will be completing the actual documents at that time. This is in agreement with the Maine Bureau of Identification who oversees the sex offender registry and similar to what other agencies are doing. Sincerely, William Gagne, Chief Deputy, Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office, 2 Turner St., Auburn ME. 04210, Office 207-753-2559, Fax 207-753-2504"
MARYLAND
Frederick County: From registrant email, 4/9/20 - "I have to register this month, so I called the registration department to make an appointment on March 31st. Nobody answered so I left a voicemail. About an hour later I got a call from an unlisted number saying that they’ll call me and I’ll register by phone. Hopefully this is legit or I’ll be emailing the sheriff. Thank you for your time and fall all the do!!" Followup Registrant email, 4/21/20 - "I just got done with my registration over the phone. Just went over my information and was told that I’d get an email regarding the call. All I had to do was respond saying I received the email."
Talbot County: Facebook, 3/20/20 - "To all registered sex offenders: Due to the Governor declaring a state of emergency in Maryland because of the COVID 19 Crisis, for the purpose of Sex Offender Registration, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office will follow the administrative registration process. With that being said, effective immediately you are now required to contact Sergeant Gieraltowski by telephone at (410) 200-6601, on the day of your scheduled re-registration appointment. At that time, the re-registration process will take place over the telephone. If you are unable to reach Sergeant Gieraltowski, you may contact Corporal Aita at (410) 200-0244. Do not come to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office to re-register until further notice. If you have any questions, please contact the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office at (410) 822-1020 or Sergeant Gieraltowski at (410) 200-6601."
MASSACHUSETTS
Berkshire County: WAMC Public Radio, 3/19/20: "Installation of child safety seats, fingerprinting services, firearms licensing, in-person sex offender registration, and medication disposal in the department’s lobby have also been suspended or curtailed." Since they weren't specific, you should contact the police before you register.
East Bridgewater PD: Facebook, 4/7/20 - "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Police Station Lobby is closed for non-emergency issues. If you need to speak to an officer for the following reasons... Sex Offender Registration. Please call 508-378-7223 and then press #4. If you do not have a phone you may enter the station lobby."
Fitchburg PD: Telegram.com, 3/16/20 - "The main lobby of the Police Department will remain open to the public, although the records department lobby will be closed. It will remain staffed, and will handle requests by telephone at 978-345-9643. Sex offender registration will remain available; registrants will submit applications to dispatch and will receive a phone call from the records manager. "
Pittsfield PD: From PPD Website, 3/17/20 - "The following offices/services have either suspended or greatly reduced their availability...In-Person Sex Offender Registration (please call for partial registration)." Phone # 413-448-9700
MICHIGAN
STATEWIDE LEGAL NOTICE-- Source, The Detroit News, 4/6/20 - "A federal judge is commanding state authorities to stop enforcing rules under the Michigan Sex Offender Registry Act during the coronavirus pandemic. According to an interim order U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland issued Monday, officials are “preliminarily enjoined from enforcing registration, verification, school zone, and fee violations of (the act) that occurred or may occur from February 14, 2020, until the current crisis has ended, and thereafter until registrants are notified of what duties they have under SORA going forward. On Valentine’s Day, Cleland declared the act unconstitutional and urged the state Legislature to move to bring the law into compliance. Under the February decision offenders would still have had to report to their local law enforcement agency or state police post through mid-May, while orders encompassing Cleland’s ruling were drafted by the parties. After that, unless the state Legislature acts, the Sex Offender Registry Act would no longer be enforceable against those who offended before 2011... "The widespread closure of police stations to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic makes in-person compliance with SORA effectively impossible for registrants, and would in any event be inconsistent with current physical isolation directives.” A final judgment will be suspended until there is no longer an operative federal or state executive order or legislative act declaring a state of emergency, or "when the Court determines that the conditions giving rise to the need for this Interim Order no longer apply," Cleland wrote."
Alpena County: The Alpena News, 3/14/20 - "Changed: The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office is not allowing onsite inmate video visitation or fingerprinting for employment or concealed weapons. Sex offender registrations and purchase permits for handguns will continue in the jail lobby. All inmate religious services, education courses and other programs will stop immediately."
Barry County: Fox 47 News, 3/17/20 - "The Barry County Sheriff's Office also announced Friday that it will be suspending specific functions, in response to the spread of the coronavirus, "that may create potential health hazards effective immediately." The office said the functions are: 1. Daily preliminary breath testing (PBT’s). 2. Weekend urine screening. 3. Inmate visits with the public (professional visits allowed). 4. All fingerprinting services. 5. Sex offender registrations."
Berrien County: Fox 17, 3/18/20 - "The records lobbies in St. Joseph and Niles will be closed to the public through April 6. Obtaining a pistol purchase permit, sex offender registrant updates and fingerprinting will be postponed until the records lobby reopens."
Cheboygan County: Cheboygan Daily Tribune, 3/20/20 - "Effective immediately, the following have been suspended until April 15 — inmate visiting, purchase permits, gun registration, public fingerprinting and in person Sex Offender Registration. These people are to register by phone by calling (231) 627-3155."
Clinton County: Facebook, 3/18/20 - "Sex Offender Registration will be done by appointment only. Please call 989-224-5200 during the hours of 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to schedule this."
Gladstone: Daily Press, 3/20/20 - "Sex offenders required to verify must call Gladstone Public Safety at 428-3131 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, to arrange for verification. Failure to verify will result in non-compliance."
Iosco County: WNEM 5, 3/23/20 - "To schedule an appointment for sex offender registration call (989) 362-6164."
Kalamazoo DPS: M Live, 3/23/20 - "Residents who need to complete sex-offender registrations should contact the Michigan State Police for further information and guidance." WKZO - Sex Offender Registration and Payments: Walk-in sex offender registration and payments will not be available during the closure. Residents who need to register and should contact the Michigan State Police for guidance and available registration locations.
Mackinac County: The Mining Journal, 3/19/20 - "Court-ordered preliminary breath testing and drug tests will continue as will sex offender registration and gun registration."
Marquette County: Noted on TV 6 - "The Marquette Sheriff's Office lobby is closed to the public effective March 13, 2020 at 4:30 p.m... Sex offenders should call (906) 225-8435 to make arrangements with staff to verify. Failure to do so will result in non-compliance."
Oscoda County: OCSO Memo, 3/17/20 - "Sex Offender Registration - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY... These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice."
Otsego County: Gaylord Herald Times, 3/17/20: The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department will be suspending specific functions that may create potential health hazards effective immediately. These include daily preliminary breath testing (PBTs); inmate visits with the public (professional visits allowed); all fingerprinting services; and sex offender registrations.
Sanilac County: The Times Herald reports on 3/16/20 that county courthouse and the registry office has closed to the public until 4/6/20; if you need to call the registry office if you are required to register at this time.
St. Clair County: SCSO website, 3/13/20 - "Citizens will not be able to come into the office for fingerprints, purchase permits, SOR, visitation, or any other services." Sheriff's office number, (810) 987-1700
Taylor PD: City of Taylor website, accessed 4/28/20 - "Police Dept. - Sex offender registration will be appointment only."
Wyoming: M-Live, 3/19/20: "Services such as Freedom of Information Act requests, accident reports, sex offender registry registration and firearm permit applications can be accessed by calling the police records line at 616-530-7314. That number is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily."
MISSISSIPPI
STATEWIDE: Department of Public Safety released that all driver license stations are officially closed to the public except for the 9 MHP District Troop Stations across the state until March 31, 2020. According to WTVA, on 3/14/20, "All Mississippi driver license stations will be closed the rest of this month except for the Highway Patrol district troop stations in Batesville, New Albany and Starkville. The only license services performed there during that time will be sex offender registry transactions and commercial driver license renewals and medical card updates. There will be no testing."
Forrest County: FCSO Facebook page, 5/11/20 - "Sex offender registration will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM- 5 PM or by appointment only effective immediately"
Tupelo area: The Daily Journal reported on 3/16/19 that appointments must be made to register; they will not accept walk-ins at this time.
Warren County/ Vicksburg: Facebook, 4/3/20 - "ATTENTION SEX OFFENDERS- We have been instructed by Mississippi Department of Public Safety to direct all current compliant sex offenders that need to renew their sex offender registration, must report to the DMV located at 3851 Hwy 468 in Pearl, MS to renew the registration card. Failure to do this will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. No registration paperwork will be completed at the Sheriff's Office at this time. Any questions should be directed to Detective Stacy Rollison at 601-636-1761."
MISSOURI
Audrain County: Facebook, 3/19/20 - "- Sex Offender registrations should be conducted over the phone with Sergeant Dani Scrogin or Administrative Assistant Ellen Wolfe at 573-473-5801 ext 1531 or 1532." UPDATE, Facebook, 5/4/20 - Registration has resumed.
Barry County: Cassville Democrat, 3/26/20 - "The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is closed to the public until April 6. Anyone wanting to renew a CCW Permit or would like to be issued a New CCW Permit will have to wait until April 6. Penalties for renewal will be waived until July 6. Sex offenders needing to register by the end of March will need to call the office at 417-847-6556 and register by phone. If registration is due in April, contact the office after April 6 and staff will advise whether to register in person or by phone."
Bates County: Facebook, 4/3/20 - "Sex Offenders who are required to register in April needs to contact Jami by phone at 660-679-3232 or by email at jpage@batescountysheriff.com."
Buchanan County: News Press Now, 3/22/20 - "In addition, sex offender registration will be handled over the phone, and any professional meeting with attorneys, probation officers and parole officers within a facility will be over the phone with no direct contact with the inmates." UPDATE - News Press Now, 5/16/20 - "On June 1, in-person sex offender registration will resume, though only the offender needing to register will be allowed in the lobby and must wear a mask. The availability of appointments for in-person jail visitation also will resume June 1, with the first visitations occurring on June 6. Appointments can be made by calling 816-236-8888."
Cass County: Facebook, 3/17/20 - "The Sheriff’s Office is closing the front lobby at this time for the safety of our employees and to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. CCW’s applications/renewals are going to be suspended at this time. There will be no late fees applied to CCW renewals when the process resumes. Sex Offender registration will take place via the telephone or email..."
Jackson County: JCSO website, 3/24/20 - "Sex offenders are still required to register by law. In accordance with efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus, effective March 24, 2020, Sex Offender registration in Jackson County will be done by calling 816-881-3849 or email sore@jacksongov.org until at least April 24, 2020."
Livingston County: KTTN 92.3, 5/4/20 - "Registered sex offenders are to begin reporting to the office on June 1st of this year with mail-in procedures applying through May. The sheriff’s office can be reached by telephone or through its website."
Madison County: Daily Journal Online, 4/6/20 - "Madison County Sheriff Katy McCutcheon explained a few things that her department will do differently. “Sex offenders are going to be made to call in,” she said." Phone number,
Nodaway County: Maryville Forum, 3/19/20 - "Strong also announced that concealed carry applications, jail visitations and fingerprinting services will be suspended until April 20, when the situation will be re-evaluated. Sex offender checks will be done by phone until that date as well."
Pettis County: KMMO, 4/13/20 - "· Updating of sex-offender registrations continue at the counter of lobby at the jail."
Ralls County: RCSO Facebook, 5/4/20 - "Now that the order has been lifted, our lobby will again be open during normal business hours starting tomorrow for CCW and Sex Offender registration." At this time, I am unsure what precautions they took during the stay-at-home order.
Saline County: KMMO Radio, 4/2/20 - "Sex offenders required to report in the month of April should contact Cathy at (660) 886-5511 Monday through Friday for further instructions prior to their scheduled registration date."
Scott County: Standard Democrat, 3/17/20 - "Also, the business office of the Sheriff’s Office will be closed to the general public. Anyone in need of a Concealed Carry Permit or to complete sex offender registration can call the Sheriff’s Office to make an appointment." M-F, 8am-4:30pm
St. Charles County: Boone Country Connection, 3/24/20 - "County Police Department at 101 Sheriff Dierker Ct. in O’Fallon: The In-House officer is available for questions. Records, concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits, evidence viewing, and property retrieval are closed. Fingerprinting is available only on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In-person sex offender compliance continues." UPDATE! SCCPD's Facebook page, 4/3/20 - "In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, effective Monday, April 6, the St. Charles County Police Department will suspend in-person sex offender registration until further notice. Registrants are required to call 636-949-3000, ext. 4451 or 636-949-3016 to complete their court ordered check-in or new registration." UPDATE, KSDK 5, 5/20/20 - "Fingerprinting will resume from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for CCW (carrying a concealed weapon) licensing and sex offender registration. "
St. Francois County: From SFCSO website, date unknown -- "ATTENTION: Due to the recent health situation with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), All sex offender registries have been postponed until further notice. You may register by phone on normal registry days. All probation officers have been advised. This will not affect your compliancy." (Registration resumed May 6th, as posted on their SFCSO Facebook page)
St. Louis County: Per SLSO email, 4/4/20 - "The below will be going onto the website in the near future. We have informed citizens of this through social media and on signage as well. Due to the COVID 19 Virus, the St. Louis County Police Department will extend the closure of the Bureau of Central Police Records in the Headquarters building located at 7900 Forsyth Blvd in Clayton to the public until further notice. For further information, click on the citizen resources tab then click the service...SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION - Due to the COVID 19 Virus, all sex offenders registrations will be conducted by telephone, the registration office can be contacted at the following phone numbers: 314-615-3761 or 314-615-3759 during regular business hours." 4/8/20, SLCSO website, 4/8/20 - "SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all sex offenders registrations will be conducted by telephone, the registration office can be contacted at the following phone numbers: 314-615-3761 or 314-615-3759 during regular business hours."
Stoddard County: Facebook, 3/18/20 - "Our office will remain open Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm for all concealed carry permits and sex offender registration."
MONTANA
Flathead County: Daily Inter Lake, 3/17/20 - "Sex offender registrations will continue in accordance with law."
Helena PD: Independent Record, 3/23/20 - "Individuals who need to register as sexual or violent offenders, provide a DNA sample as a requirement of a court judgement, request police or sheriff department records, or contact the records staff are asked to call (406) 447-8469."
Lake County: From Lake Co Sheriff's FB page, 3/16/20: "Dorothy will not be doing fingerprinting or DNA for the sex and violent offender registry until further notice but you must continue to bring her your address verification letters."
Ravalli County: Ravalli Republic, 3/23/20 - "civil process, concealed weapons, offender registration and other paperwork handled by appointment only"
NEBRASKA
In an email from Nebraskans Unafraid, they received a response to their inquiry to the Nebraska legislature essentially stating each sheriff's office is free to make up their own rules, so the only advice for now is to contact your registration office for details.
Cass County: Fremont Tribune, 3/20/20 - "Sex offender registration and/or updates will be conducted in the jail entrance vestibule. For questions please call 402-296-9377 or e-mail ambere@co.cass.ne.us or wludlow@co.cass.ne.us ”
Custer County: Facebook, 3/24/20 - "Sex Offender Registrations: Please call 308-872-6418 and speak with Sheriff's Office personnel. Your registration requirements will be completed over the phone. This process will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."
Dawson County: Lexington Clipper-Herald, 3/20/20 - "Appointments will need to be made for VIN Inspections, Sex Offender Registers, Fingerprinting, Handgun Applications or any other business conducted at the Sheriff’s Office. Please call the front desk at 308-324-3011."
Douglas County: WOWT 6, 3/24/20 - "Sex-offender registry is still taking place as scheduled". The DCSO registry portal is at https://www.omahasheriff.org/services/sex-offender-registry and as of 4/4/20, there have still been no closure made.
Fillmore County: Facebook, 3/23/20 - "Persons required to update on the Sex Offender Registry will need to call 402-759-4441 to make an appointment M-F 8-4"
Hall County (Grand Island): PM from HCSO Facebook, 4/7/20 - "No changes have been made regarding the sex offender registries."
Jefferson County: Facebook, 3/18/20 - "Individuals on the Sex Offender registry that need updates or verification need to call the non-emergency number and make an appointment to come to the Law Enforcement Center for those needs. You may be asked to wait in the vestibule while the changes to the registry are completed." Non-emergency number is 402-729-2284
Madison County: MCSO website, 3/26/20 - "Sex Offender Registrations and Updates: Sex offenders are still required to updates their status regularly as in the past. This must be done in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Please call to make an appointment BEFORE coming to Courthouse...Our phone number is (420) 454-2110. We can be reached by email at mcso@madisoncountysheriff.com"
Saline County: SCSO website, 3/20/20 - "SOR’s will ONLY be done by appointment. Call 1-402-821-2111 to make an appointment and receive instructions prior to arrival at SCLEC."
State Police: KSNB Local 4, 4/6/20 - "In accordance with the State of Emergency declared by
Governor Pete Ricketts and guidelines from federal and local health officials regarding social
distancing, Nebraska State Patrol will prioritize some specific fingerprinting services through Friday, May 22, 2020. Appointments will be available for all categories beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
Between April 6 and May 22, fingerprinting appointments will be available for the following
categories. Appointments must be made in advance and will include extra precautions. • Those who are required to be fingerprinted under the Sex Offender Registration Act, including federal sex offender regulations... Nebraskans who fit any of those categories can call the NSP Criminal Identification Division office in Lincoln at 402-479-4971 to schedule appointments, regardless of your location in Nebraska."
NEVADA
Churchill County: Nevada Appeal, 4/1/20 - "The Churchill County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide law enforcement services at this time with the following exceptions. We will continue to complete statutory required (i.e., sex offender, ex-felon) fingerprints."
Las Vegas PD: LVPD Press Release, 3/18/20: "The following services will be unavailable during the closure: • Work Card Applications • Sex Offender Registration • Convicted Felon Registration" UPDATE 4/7/20, from 8 News Now -- "LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Police are warning the state’s registered sex offenders that they must use an online resource to update their information in order to be compliant. Currently, LVMPD’s Records and Fingerprint Bureau is closed. According to Metro, “Any registrant needing to update or change their information can visit the Offender Watch database at www.offenderwatchexpress.com. Changes will be stored in the database until the sex offender can visit the Records and Fingerprint Bureau and fill out the necessary paperwork.’" UPDATE KTNV, 5/4: "The Records and Fingerprint Bureau located at the LVMPD Headquarters on 400 S. Martin L. King Blvd. will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., only on weekdays. The reopening of the bureau aims to provide access for convicted felons and sex offenders who are required to register with the police."
Offenders are advised to keep a screenshot, print out or email of the changed information to show law enforcement if necessary.
Nye County: Pahrump Valley Times, 3/20/20 - "Tippetts also noted that sex offenders and other felons who must register during this time must pick up the registration packet in the public lobby, fill it out, and turn it in by sliding the completed packet under the public services window. 'Sex offenders and felons will be notified at a later date to come in for fingerprints and photographs,' he said."
Washoe County (Reno/ Sparks): WCSC website, 3/18/20 - "Additionally, the following services will be provided online or via mail only until further notice... Sex Offender Registration (Mail ONLY) - Click Here for the forms. Mail to: Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Records Section, 911 Parr Blvd, Reno, NV 89512" From Washoe Co Gov website, Date Accessed 4/7/20 - "Sex offender registration continues by mail during COVID-19 emergency, The Washoe County Regional Sex Offender Unit continues to register sex offenders per Nevada statute during the COVID-19 emergency. Sex offenders required to register in Reno, Sparks and Washoe County are now having to do so by mail only due to current efforts underway at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Reno and Sparks Police Departments, to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Information and forms are available on the websites of all three law enforcement agencies."
For the Reno Police Department: renopd.com/sor ("Due to Covid 19, sex offender registration is currently being done by mail.")
For the Sparks Police Department: sparkspolice.com/sections/records
For the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office visit the RECORDS section of washoesheriff.com
NEW MEXICO
STATEWIDE: NARSOL.org, 4/6/20 - "NM: Sheriff’s offices given permission by the governor’s office to conduct registrations and registration updates telephonically. This is verified, but I have no link." This does not necessarily mean all registry offices will do phone registrations, only they are allowed to do so.
Dona Ana County: LC Sun, 3/17/20 - "Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office wishes to remind all sex offenders who have to register that they must report in person to the sex offender registration office. This applies to those required to register or re-register."
San Juan County: Durango Herald, 4/3/20 - "County offices and essential services available by phone or online at www.sjcounty.net, including the Adult Detention Center, Alternative Sentencing, Assessor’s Office, Central Purchasing, Clerk’s Office, Community Development, County Executive Office, Finance, Housing, Human Resources, Parks and Facilities, Public Works, Treasurer and Sheriff’s Office — for all services except sex offender registration."
NEW YORK
State Courts: NY State Courts Press Release, 3/22/20 - "Essential sex offender registration act (SORA) matters" are considered "essential proceedings" by the court and will continue as planned. The New York City Bar has released a statement denouncing continued in-person registration during the crisis and calling for suspension of in-person reporting during this time.
NCRSOL has compiled a list of counties that have revised their policies for registration. As of 3/31/20, only Harnett, Henderson, and Wake Counties have changed their policies, according to this site. Still, I suggest calling the registry office to double-check the info posted on this site. (The info listed here is not added to my overall county list as it has not been independently verified, and I deem NC-RSOL to be a less than trustworthy organization; thus, those will be listed below.)
Guilford County: WFMY News 2, As of 3/13/20, registry offices are running as normal. County's Gov website - "Sex offender registration will continue at this time."
Wake County: WakeGov.com, 3/27/20 - "Sex Offender Registry: Please call 919-856-6904, for Sex Offender Registry needs."
NORTH DAKOTA
STATEWIDE: Statewide: InForum, 3/28/20 - "The North Dakota Attorney General’s Office, which oversees the statewide database for sex offenders, told law enforcement agencies in a March 18 letter the state would accept registration forms not signed by offenders if offices were closed to the public. “The registration forms still need to be completed, but the process can be accomplished over the phone with the offender,” the letter said, adding that agencies can work with offenders to get an updated photo if needed.
Cass County Sheriff: InForum, 3/28/20 - "Meanwhile, the Cass County Sheriff's Office is allowing sex offenders to call in address changes, but deputies still will check in on the registrants, Sheriff Jesse Jahner said. The agency's first-time registrations will be done in person, he said."
Fargo PD: InForum, 3/28/20 - "“If a new registrant who has never registered with Fargo does show up to register at the police department, there is a sign that gives them instructions to call into our records bureau and the registration process would begin from there," Detective Mark Voigtschild said in an email." UPDATE, Facebook, 5/4/20 - Registration resumes in lobby
Jamestown PD: News Dakota, 3/20/20 - "“Sex offender registration will still occur, but the offender should call and ask to speak to an office so that a meeting time can be scheduled." For more information or to receive services, you can call the Police Department at 701-252-1000.
Moorhead PD: InForum, 3/28/20 - "Moorhead police are also not making any changes to their in-person sex offender registration process."
West Fargo PD: InForum, 3/28/20 - "West Fargo police are delaying fingerprinting of sex offenders, but in-person registration will continue, Assistant Chief Jerry Boyer said in an email. The agency uses a kiosk and other technology to register offenders. "Any close contact portion of the registration has been suspended, but we will continue, as long as we can, to do what we can to register those individuals required under law to register safely," Boyer said."
OHIO
STATEWIDE: JDSupra, 3/26/20 - "The Ohio General Assembly has passed emergency legislation in response to the COVID pandemic. The following issues were addressed... It also does not delay any duty an individual has to register as a violent offender, arson offender or sex offender."
Belmont County: The Times Leader, 3/13/20: "Lucas said sex offender registration will continue with additional safety protocols in place. For example, any employee dealing with anyone from outside the sheriff’s office is to be wearing gloves. 'Only mission-critical operations will continue during this time,' Lucas states in a news release."
Cuyahoga County: Via email, 4/13/20 - "Please call 216-443-5577 for instructions." Per email, 4/17/20 - "The registration office is open as normal 7-4 Monday thru Friday. Detective Susan DeChant, CUYAHOGA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, SEX OFFENDER UNIT, 1215 W. 3rd STREET, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44113, 216-443-6096 - DESK, 216-443-6149 - FAX"
Erie County: Sheriff's office 3/16/20 Press Release: Sex offenders are required to report for registration purposes as required by law, and will continue to be expected to do so.
Hamilton County: Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/23/20 - "An order expected to be signed Tuesday will restrict public access to the courthouse to those who have specific business, such as those seeking civil protection orders and temporary restraining orders, and sex offenders who are required report."
Huron County: Norwalk Reflector, 3/20/20 - "Sex offenders, arsonists and violent offenders who have a duty to register will still be required to report."
Lake County: The Sheriff's Office stated in a 3/17/20 press release, "“For the health and safety of all we are limiting the influx of people into the Office, as are sheriffs in adjoining counties. However, we are continuing to maintain the registrations and tracking of sex offenders, arsonists, and violent offenders.”
Montgomery County: Per Facebook PM, 4/6/20 - "MCSO SORN is running business as usual. Open M-F 8 AM to 4 PM. We are considered a necessary service. Deputies are still verifying the offender’s residences. The only changes are during the offender’s time here at the MCSO SORN office. We clean/wipe down the registration window area before and after registrations. 1. Only 1 person at the glass registration window at a time/stay back from the window. 2. The offenders practice social distancing in line to wait for their turn to register."
Richland County: Posted at Mansfield Journal, 3/12/20 - "The Richland County Sheriff's Office will limit public access to the records section to Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Services such as concealed weapons permits, background checks, fingerprinting and in-person public records requests will only be processed during those times. Sex offenders, arson offenders and violent offenders should continue to report as currently required."
Scioto County: Portsmouth Daily-Times, 3/19/20 - "Sheriff Donini states that the process of registering of Sex Offenders is NOT being suspended and all sex offenders are still required to register as scheduled. However, modifications have been implemented to the normal method of processing all sex offenders, which will not require them to enter the facility."
Washington County: Marietta Times, 3/24/20 - "The criminal division’s entrance will be locked, and visitors will communicate with dispatch through an intercom. Arson and sex offenders will register by phone."
OKLAHOMA
STATEWIDE: NARSOL, 4/3/20 - Response to email inquiry, "OK: “Our office maintains business as usual as Sex and Violent Offender Registration is determined as essential in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.” Cheri Bolz, Coordinator Sex and Violent Offender Registration, Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Cheri.Bolz@doc.ok.gov " UPDATE - From State's SVOR website, accessed 5/10/20 - "As we experience these difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured ODOC SVOR is conducting business as usual to the best of our ability. Staff are working diligently to maintain the state registry as mandated by the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, 57 O.S. 581, et seq., while adhering to safety protocols."
Delaware County: Facebook, 3/20/20 - "Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma, March 20 at 8:20 AM · Important Public Information: To minimize the potential of exposure and spread of the COVID- 19 Virus Delaware County Sheriff's Office temporarily closed all of our county buildings to the public to protect you and our Deputies. We Will Not be doing: WALK IN REPORTS, FINGERPRINTING, SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND VIOLENT OFFENDER REGISTRATION."
OREGON
STATEWIDE: Oregon.Gov Press Release, 3/23/20 - SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION COVID-19 OUTBREAK EMERGENCY PROTOCOL: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as of March 23rd, 2020, ALL sex offender reporting for registration will be taken by phone. There will be NO inperson registrations until further notice to ensure the health and safety of registrants and public safety officials. REGISTRANTS SHOULD FIRST CALL THEIR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO SEE IF THEY WILL REGISTER BY PHONE If you are UNABLE TO REGISTER WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, and in one of these affected areas, please call the OSP Patrol Office nearest you at of the numbers below to submit your sex offender registration information, on the timelines already established in law. Phone numbers -- McMinnville 503-472-0294; Astoria 503-861-0781; Newport 541-265-5354; Tillamook 503-842-2899; Albany 541-967-2026; Salem 503-934-0319; Baker City 541-523-5867; Bend 541-388-6213; LaGrande 541-963-7175; Ontario 541-889-6469; Pendleton 541-278-4090; The Dalles 541-296-9646; Central Point 541-776-6114, Central Point 541-776-6236; Grants Pass 541-955-6370; Coos Bay 541-888-2677; Gold Beach 541-247-6641; Roseburg 541-440-3334; Klamath Falls 541-883-5713; Springfield 541-726-2536. If you live in the Portland area, the Portland Police Bureau will process sex offender registration by phone. Please call Officer Lara Maul at 503-545-3559 Monday-Thursday from 7am – 5pm.
Deschutes County: KTVZ 21, 3/18/20 - The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will begin limiting access into most Sheriff's Office buildings, substations, and the adult jail administration lobby during business hours starting tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m...There are still certain circumstances where a citizen may need to enter one of our buildings to retrieve property, register as a sex offender, bail out an inmate, etc.. In those situations, office staff will then grant access into the building to accommodate and assist the citizen."
Independence PD: Polk Co Itemizer-Oberserver, 3/20/20 - "We are referring sex offender registrations to the State of Oregon sex offender registration unit and not completing them at City Hall."
Lebanon PD: Facebook, 3/17/20 - "Over the next few weeks, our residents may notice some changes in the service delivery of non-essential functions. Several programs and services have been postponed or delayed to maintain the recommended social distancing advised by the CDC, the OHA, and Linn County Health Department. This service delays include but may not be limited to... Sex offender registration (contact OSP at this time)"
Lincoln City: Facebook, 3/17/20 - "Anyone needing administrative services, such as records requests, vehicle impound releases, property releases, or sex offender registrations, will need to call our non-emergency number (541) 994-3636 first and make an appointment. This will allow staff to determine if face-to-face contact is necessary, and allow us to minimize contact time by having paperwork processed prior to arrival. Appointments for face-to-face administrative services will only be accepted Monday through Friday during regular business hours between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM."
Linn County: Corvallis Gazette-Times, 3/25/20 - "We are still doing sex offender registrations.” For all inquiries please call 541-967-3907 for an appointment.
Ranier PD: Facebook, 3/23/20 - "SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION COVID-19 OUTBREAK EMERGENCY PROTOCOL Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as of March 23rd, 2020, ALL sex offender reporting for registration will be taken by phone. There will be NO in-person registrations until further notice to ensure the health and safety of registrants and public safety officials. Rainier Police is available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to register: 503-556-3644."
PENNSYLVANIA
State Police: PA State Police website, 3/30/20 - "***INFORMATION REGARDING REGISTRATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY*** Due to the COVID-19 Emergency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in-person reporting is being temporarily suspended. In order to allow registrants to remain compliant with registration requirements and to expedite the processing of information, only residential, employment and school address verifications are being required at this time. During the COVID-19 Emergency, if any registered sex offender needs to change or update previously reported information, a paper update form has been developed to be utilized during this timeframe. This form is to be used ONLY for changes to previously reported information. The form must be mailed to the Pennsylvania State Police, Megan’s Law Section, 1800 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. **NOTE—If an individual is unable to go to work due to the COVID-19 Stay at Home orders, but intends to return when permitted, no employment update is required.** To print a copy of the paper form, CLICK HERE. If an individual is not able to access the form, the individual must contact the Megan’s Law Section at 866-771-3170. Changes to information must be reported within three business days, in accordance with 42 Pa. C.S. Chapter 97. Failure to report changes as required could lead to criminal penalties under 18 Pa. C.S. §4915.1 or §4915.2. When an individual’s scheduled appearance date nears, correspondence with additional instructions will be mailed to the individual. Any individual who is required to register as a sex offender in accordance with 42 Pa. C.S. Chapter 97 and requires a new registration (i.e. never registered, first time reporting in PA) must contact the Megan’s Law Section at 866-771-3170
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston County: WCSC 5, 3/21/20 - "Citizens should continue to call (843) 743-7200 to report a non-emergency or 911 for an emergency. 'The sex offender registry will operate at normal business hours. Deputies will continue to strictly enforce laws regarding the sex offender registry. For the duration of this event, registrations will be conducted through a glass partition,' according to a statement from the sheriff’s office."
Orangeburg County: The Times and Democrat, 3/20/20 - Orangeburg Sheriff, "All sex-offender registrations will be conducted by investigators at the offender’s home."
TENNESSEE
Nashville PD: Via email, 4/13/20 - "I am emailing you in reference to the question you submitted on the Police Contact Us Form regarding sex offender registration. The Sex Offender Registry Office remains open four days a week. The office is configured with a plexi-glass partition between the detective and the person registering, and detectives are encouraging the same social distancing recommendations that have been implemented at grocery stores."
TEXAS
STATEWIDE: Regarding the annual driver's licence/ state ID card renewals, Travis Co Sheriff made this post: "At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor’s State of Disaster Declaration related to COVID-19, DPS has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC) for the duration of the Governor’s declaration of State of Disaster and for 60 days after DPS provides further public notice that normal operations have resumed. Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities.
During this period of DL office closures, some registered sex offenders will be unable to renew, update or apply for an annual renewable DL, CDL or ID card as required under Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Affected registrants should immediately notify their primary registration authority of their intent and inability to comply with this requirement and seek instructions from that local agency on how to proceed. These registrants are also advised to continue to monitor DPS sponsored publications related to any public notice on when DL offices are scheduled to reopen. Once offices are in operation, the registrant must appear at their local DL office and conduct any annual renewable DL/ID maintenance before the expiration of the extended expiration date or apply for the initial issuance of an annual renewable DL/ID.
Non-compliance with this registration requirement is assessed and determined by the primary registration authority for which the person is registered with. Any compliance-related questions are directed to that local agency’s sex offender registration office."
From the Texas Dept. of Public Safety Website: "COVID-19 Impact Statement - Prompt, accurate responses to sex offender inquiries are critical to the Departments mission. In light of the coronavirus and its potential impact to the DPS services, plans and preparations are occurring to help ensure continued operations in case of drastically reduced workforce availability. Although delayed response times for certain types of inquiries may occur, many sex offender inquires will proceed in a fully automated fashion. The DPS will keep you abreast of specific impacts to our services. If you have any questions, you may contact the Sex Offender Bureau, at 512-424-2800.
DL/ID Renewal for Sex Offenders - At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and in light of the governor’s State of Disaster Declaration related to COVID-19, DPS has been directed to extend the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC) for the duration of the Governor’s declaration of State of Disaster and for 60 days after DPS provides further public notice that normal operations have resumed. Additionally, the department has been directed to close DL offices effective Thursday, March 19, until directed to reopen by the governor. These actions come as the state works to limit the ongoing spread of COVID-19 by increasing social distancing in communities. During this period of DL office closures, some registered sex offenders will be unable to renew, update or apply for an annual renewable DL, CDL or ID card as required under Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Affected registrants should immediately notify their primary registration authority of their intent and inability to comply with this requirement and seek instructions from that local agency on how to proceed. These registrants are also advised to continue to monitor DPS sponsored publications related to any public notice on when DL offices are scheduled to reopen. Once offices are in operation, the registrant must appear at their local DL office and conduct any annual renewable DL/ID maintenance before the expiration of the extended expiration date or apply for the initial issuance of an annual renewable DL/ID. Non-compliance with this registration requirement is assessed and determined by the primary registration authority for which the person is registered with. Any compliance-related questions are directed to that local agency’s sex offender registration office."
Angelina County: Email, 4/21/20 - "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all person to person Registrations, Verifications and Changes of Status of Sexual Offenders whose Primary Registering Authority is the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office have been temporary suspended and will be conducted over the phone. All verification rules still remain in effect and all Sexual Offender Registrants are required to report via telephone all reportable information within the specified timeframe in accordance with Chapter 62 of The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Thank You, Deputy Geoffrey Gordon Sex Offender Registrar / Warrants / Civil Process, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office"
Austin: KVUE News 3/17/20 - Sex offender check-in operations will be amended as well, police said. Offenders who are newly released to our community will still be processed and registered. “Currently registered offenders who come to APD to conduct their check-in will confirm that the information we have on file is still accurate and be instructed to call and make an appointment to come back at a later date for in-person processing,” police said.
Dallas PD: Dallas PD Press Release 3/18/20 - "DPD will amend its sex offender check-in procedures. Offenders who are newly released to the community will still be processed and registered, so we have their information in our system. Currently registered offenders who come to DPD to conduct their check-in will confirm that the information we have on file is still accurate and be instructed to call and make an appointment to come back at a later date for in-person processing."
Joshua PD: Cleburne Times-Review, 3/20/20 - "Sex offender registration for both check-in and newly released offenders will require an appointment. The assigned investigator will evaluate the need for an in-person visit."
Kleburg County: Facebook, 4/2/20 and KCSO website- "Due to COVID-19 precautions: All sex offender registration by appointment ONLY. Please call Lt. Mendoza at 361- 675-0309"
New Braunfels PD: NBPD website, accessed 4/10/20 - "If you are a registered sex offender living in New Braunfels and need to update your registration, please contact the NBPD Sex Offender Registration Office to schedule an appointment. PHONE: 830-221-4136 EMAIL: sexoffenderregistry@nbtexas.org"
Travis County: TC Sheriff website, Date accessed 4/7/20 - "At this time, Sex Offender Registration will only be processed over the phone at 512.854.9396 or via email (sexoffendercompliance@traviscountytx.gov)"
Uvalde PD: Uvalde Leader-News, 3/24/20 - "Sex offenders needing to register or check in are to contact secretary Angelica Camacho by phone at 830-278-9147 to set up a date and time as required by law. UPD asks that they do not arrive at the department without an appointment."
Victoria PD: Victoria Advocate, 3/20/20 - "Sex offender registration will continue as scheduled. Contact Detective James Collins at 361-485-3760 with any questions."
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
From St. Croix Source, 3/24/20 - "Attorney General Denise George advises the public that the Sex Offender Registry, a division of the V.I. Department of Justice, is closed to the public due to COVID19 (corona virus); however, registration requirements remain in place. Sex offenders who are residing, employed or attending school in the territory and need to register or update their information must do so telephonically or via email. Offenders must understand that failure to comply with these obligations will subject them to prosecution for failure to register. To register or update information, please contact Shani Pinney, Territorial Sex Offender Registry Program manager: shani.pinney@doj.vi.gov or 774-5666 ext. 10191/ 714-9645 or or Inais Borque, Territorial Sex Offender Registry coordinator at inais.borque@doj.vi.gov or 773-0295 ext. 20250. This limited service will continue at the VI Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry until further notice."
UTAH
Cedar City PD: ABC 4, 3/23/20 - "Cedar City Police Sgt. Clint Pollock told ABC4 News that the public should contact their office at (435) 586-2956 to schedule an appointment for sex offender registry, collecting property or evidence, and GRAMA requests."
Murray City PD: From Murray.Utah.Gov, accessed 5/19/20 - "Sex offender registration must be done by appointment only, call (801) 264-2674 to schedule."
Salt Lake County: SLCO.org website, accessed 4/19/20 - "Sex Offender Registration questions 385-468-9800"
Tooele PD: Gephardt Daily, 3/20/20 - "Office services will be put on hold temporarily, such as fingerprints, sex offender updates, and releasing police reports. If you need to speak with an officer, call Tooele County dispatch at 435-882-5600 #1 ." Note that the police building has suffered damage and not a result of COVID-19 but I felt this was worth noting.
VERMONT
State Police: Via Email, 4/13/20 - "Should any individual offenders have a question about their specific registration requirements they should contact the Vermont Sex Offender Registry at 802-241-5400."
VIRGINIA
Charlottesville PD - The Daily Progress, 3/17/20 - "Sex offender registrations and updates will continue."
State Police: State Police Memo, 3/24/20 - "Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic, public safety is of utmost importance; therefore Sex Offender Registration practices are being temporarily amended. During this time, if you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact your assigned Trooper or Compliance Officer. In order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, enclosed in this packet are changes to certain Sex Offender Registration forms. The following forms are being temporarily amended: Employment, School, Address, Vehicle, & Re-registration Letter These forms do not require thumbprints or in-person re-registration with law enforcement. The documents can be viewed and printed from the Virginia State Police, Sex Offender and Crimes
Against Minors Registry website: https://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.html . Completed forms may be submitted via email, fax or mail using the following: A. Email: SOR@vsp.virginia.gov B. Fax: Attention SOR (804)-674-8529 C. Mail: Virginia State Police, Attention: SOR, P.O. Box 27472, Richmond, Virginia 23261 -- SO Forms portal is at https://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/sexoffenderforms.html
Virginia Beach PD: Per their FB page, 3/18/20 - In an effort to support social distancing, in-person services available at Police Headquarters, Building 11, will be modified. The following services will remain available at Building 11: • Sex Offender Registrations • Felony Registrations • Court Mandated Traveling Felon Registrations
WASHINGTON STATE
State DOC, Community Corrections Division: Northern Kittitas Tribune, 3/24/20 - "The Community Corrections Division will focus supervision efforts on those cases deemed highest risk or posing a substantial threat to community safety. The Department will maintain current standards for the following supervised individuals, including the required number of face-to-face contacts, as long as it is safe to do so: Sexually Violent Predators (SVP), Sex offenders placed in a Least Restrictive Alternative (LRA)... The Division will require one face-to-face contact per month for Community Custody Board cases, Level 3 sex offenders, conditional commutations and those designated as high risk. For low-risk individuals, or when medically necessary, and where possible, Community Corrections Officers (CCOs) have discretion to use regular telephonic and/or FaceTime contacts at least monthly."
Pierce County: Patch.com, 3/19/20 - "...currently the front desk at our Headquarters remains open for sex offender registrations..." From PCSO website, accessed 4/13/20 - "All registered sex offenders needing to check in or update information, or who have question or concerns, will need to call the Sheriff’s Department at 253-798-2362; all transient sex offenders are required to call this number on their next scheduled check-in day."
Rainier PD: The Daily News, 3/23/20 - "Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as Monday, March 23rd, all sex offender reporting for registration in Rainier will be taken by phone. There will be NO in-person registrations until further notice to ensure the health and safety of registrants and public safety officials, according to a Rainier Police bulletin. Rainier Police is available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to register call 503-556-3644."
Snohomish County: HeraldNet, 3/22/20 - The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has suspended weekly check-ins for homeless registered sex offenders until April 6 amid coronavirus concerns...When check-ins resume, they will be asked to disclose where they have been staying for the past two weeks. Registered sex offenders who move to the county can still update their address by mail, O’Keefe said. Other enforcement efforts related to registered sex offenders will continue.“The community should know that the Sheriff’s Office takes public safety seriously,” O’Keefe said in an email. “Deputies and detectives are still doing RSO (registered sex offender) address verifications in Snohomish County, still filing failure to register for those who have been non-compliant, and still actively searching for RSOs with warrants for failure to register.” ... All fingerprinting appointments have also been canceled and will be rescheduled. People who normally receive fingerprinting services at the sheriff’s office include registered sex offenders, Concealed Pistol License applicants and employees who are required to do so by their employers." From SCSO website, Date Unknown - "Registered Sex Offenders: Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, our administrative offices are currently closed. RSO services and in-person homeless check-ins will be delayed until May 4, 2020. Change of addresses & initial registrations can be completed via Certified Mail. Please mail to: Attn: RSO UNIT M/S 606, 3000 ROCKEFELLER AVE , EVERETT, WA, 98201 - Please include the following in your letter: FULL NAME, Date of Birth, Phone #, Prior Address, New Address & Email address if available for contact DOC CCO (if on supervision) Why CERTIFIED MAIL? This will provide tracking and proof of when you sent the letter. Furthermore it is a requirement as part of RCW 9A.44.130. If for some reason the post office reduces hours or closes, then we will provide an update at that time on this page. *** If you are required to get fingerprints we will reach out and have you return at a later date to complete the registration process. HOMELESS OFFENDERS: Please keep track of where you are staying during this delay in weekly check-in. You will be able to provide copies of where you were during this time once we start weekly check-in again. If you are on DOC supervision, please provide a copy of where you have been staying for the previous week(s) to your CCO and request it be forwarded to the Sheriff’s Office. **CLICK HERE FOR WEEKLY HOMELESS FORM** RELEASING FROM CUSTODY / ON DOC SUPERVISION: Please send letter in for initial registration. Please see above list of requested info. Please ensure you include your CCO so we can communicate regarding your registration. Check back Monday, May 4, 2020 for updates to the process. There is potential for a change in the normal process and/or check-in location. You may also visit https://snohomishcountywa.gov/210/Sheriffs-Office for general updates to the Sheriff’s Office during this time. Thank you for your understanding during this time. If you still have questions regarding the process, please reach out to the RSO unit for further clarification
Yakima County: Yakima Herald, 3/16/20 - they have suspended fingerprinting for business licenses; they will still fingerprint registrants.
WYOMING
Johynson County: Sheridan Media, 3/26/20 - "b. Sex Offender Registration. Please call before reporting for verifications or to make changes." Per Emergency resolution from County Commission
Natrona County: Casper Star-Tribune, 3/24/20 - "Sex Offenders please call to make any updates or changes. Any other questions please call 307-235-9282." (From NCSO FaceBook page, 5/8/20, registration conducted by appointment only)
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES & NATIONS / INDIAN RESERVATIONS
Rosebud Sioux Tribe (South Dakota): RST website, 3/13/20 - "(03/13/2020) The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Officers, Dispatchers and Administration will continue to work as regularly scheduled. The Rosebud Police Department advises people of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to refrain from unnecessary travel, and use all precautions to stop the possible spread of COVID-19 virus. The RST Sex Offender Registry Office will be closed from March 16th to March 20th and will be taking the necessary safety precautions due to the virus that is becoming more widespread.(ACTIVE)
Tohono O'odham Nation (Arizona): Confirmed by forwarded email sent to RCs on tribal land, 4/4/20 - "You are receiving this email because you are registered as a sex offender with the Tohono O’odham Police Department. I am writing you to inform you of the major changes for the April 2020 90 Day Check-in schedule. Due to the current safety protocol in place for the COVID 19, April 2020 sex offender check-ins will be conducted in the following way. Your reply to this email will be accepted as proof of your compliance with the 90 Day Check-in requirement. Please put your name and date of birth in subject line or body of the reply. Please include any changes to your information, work, or probation status we need to document. Please note if your appearance has changed, to include tattoos. There will NOT be any in person check-ins conducted for the month of April. Your co-operation with the adjusted procedure is appreciated. If you have any questions please contact the SORT Unit at 520 383-6422 or 520 383-3275."
What is going on in New Mexico as it's now on a shut down. State wide every Sex Offender has to Regerster in person as of March 23, 2020. If your going to get Coronvires it having to go Regerster even when everyone else is stuck at home.
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on state wide from New Mexico as of March 23, 2020. Every Regestered Sex Offender in New Mexico must show up inperson or get a warrent of arrest the day after you fail to Regerster.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I moved to Arkansas in early March and they still won't let him come in to register. We are wondering if it's a set up. He was told to call on March 31st but no answer. He calls them everyday but the SOR hasn't returned his call. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteI hope you're documenting that you've attempted numerous times to contact the registration office. Have you went to the office in person?
DeleteHave you spoken with Arkansas Time after Time to let them know this is happening?
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