DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Sex Offender Registration Detail
SUMMARY:
The SAPD Sex Offender Registration Detail (SORD) is responsible for identifying, locating and contacting individuals who have failed to register as sex offenders. In addition, the Detail processes the required registration, monitors registrants to ensure ongoing compliance, conducts notifications to school districts and submits offender information to the Department of Public Safety for inclusion in the DPS Sex Offender Database. The SORD is comprised of 7 sworn personnel (1 sergeant, 4 detectives and 2 patrol officers).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Definition
Chapter 62, Subsection A. of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure defines a registered sex offender as person with a reportable conviction or adjudication for one of 36 crimes which include the following:
|
Aggravated kidnapping |
Online solicitation of minor |
|
Aggravated sexual assault |
Indecency with child by exposure |
|
Possession of child pornography |
Indecency with child by contact |
|
Sexual performance of a child |
Indecent exposure -2nd conviction |
SAPD Enforcement
The SORD is responsible for monitoring the approximately 3,200 registered sex offenders that reside within San Antonio. In addition to conducting monthly, quarterly and annual compliance checks as determined by the State, the Detail also proactively identifies and contacts individuals who fail to register. The table below summarizes the efforts of the SORD since 2016:
|
Activity |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 YTD |
TOTAL |
|
Sex Offender Verification Forms |
7,740 |
7,144 |
3,293 |
18,177 |
|
Sex Offenders Registered |
8,183 |
8,135 |
2,752 |
19,070 |
|
DPS Updates |
9,539 |
9,831 |
3,272 |
22,642 |
|
Home/Business Visits |
3,067 |
2,926 |
1,389 |
7,382 |
|
Arrests |
127 |
110 |
48 |
285 |
|
Cases Filed |
113 |
104 |
52 |
269 |
Registration Requirements
Individuals with a reportable conviction or adjudication after September 1, 1970 are required to register as sex offenders to include those that are convicted out of state, under federal law, military law or under the law of other countries. Ultimately, the type of offense will determine the duration of registration:
• Adults must either register for 10 years or lifetime
• Juveniles must register for 10 years after date of supervision or discharge
As part of the registration process, individuals must do the following:
• Conduct verification of registered information either monthly, quarterly or annually based on the number of offense convictions
• Provide notification within 7 days of:
o Change of residence to include the homeless
o Change in name, health or job status
o Employment or enrollment at an institution of higher education
o Establishment or change of an email account, online identifier
Public Access to Information
The SORD submits information on registered sex offenders to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for inclusion on its Sex Offender Database. The database, which is accessible to the public, offers a variety of information on registered sex offenders within the state of Texas. Information provided in the database includes:
• Photo of the offender
• Physical description (weight, height, tattoos, etc.)
• Date of last verification
• Address of residence
• Offense information
SAPD Outreach
The SORD participates in sex offender compliance checks throughout the year in coordination with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Public Safety and the United States Marshal Service to ensure compliance during certain times of the year such as Halloween.
The Detail also responds to questions from the public regarding the sex offender program and will present information on the role of the Detail and the sex offender registration process at various community meetings.