Laws and Regulations Regarding Indiana Sex Offender Registration

Sex Offender Definition

An individual is generally labeled a “sex offender” if he has been found guilty of committing sexual crimes like rape, statutory rape, harassment, molestation, and producing, possessing and distributing pornographic material. The term is defined and interpreted variously across the many US jurisdictions. For instance, in Indiana, offenses like incest, vicarious sexual gratification, child seduction, sexual trafficking of a minor, and promotion of prostitution are also considered sexual crimes and a person convicted of these crimes is considered a “sex offender.”

Indiana Sex Offender Laws

Like all other US states, the state of Indiana too adheres to the guidelines laid down by Megan’s Law. As per the dictates of the law, all Indianapolis sex offenders have to register with the Sheriff’s department of the county where they will reside for at least seven days (including a part of a day) during a 180-day period, work either on a full-time or a part-time basis, attend any public or private educational institution either on a full-time or a part-time basis, or own any piece of real estate.

A sex offender who has been released from the Indiana Department of Correction, has been sentenced to community supervision, or a sexually violent predator who has moved in to Indiana, must report in person and register within 72 hours. A sexually violent predator will additionally have to register every 90 days.

The following information has to be supplied during the registration process: full name, names previously known by, aliases, date of birth, race, detailed description of the physical characteristics including scars and tattoos, primary residential address, any other residences where the offender spends more than seven nights in a 14-day period, any mailing address that is different from the primary residential address, Social Security Number, vehicle description and the offender’s vehicle number, driver’s license number or state identification card number. The offender shall also have to provide the name and address of his employer and the location of the educational institution where he may be enrolled along with his electronic mailing addresses and the usernames of all his online identities.

All Indiana registered sex offenders have to inform the local law enforcement authorities with whom they have registered, if they relocate from their principal residence, or change their work or school address. This should be done within 72 hours of the change or relocation. The local law enforcement authority should also be informed, within 72 hours, when Indiana sex offenders create or change their electronic mailing addresses, instant messaging usernames, electronic chat room identities, or social networking web site profile names.

Accessing Indiana Sex Offender Information

As per Megan’s Law, the state of Indiana makes public information about registered sex offenders. You can access the Indiana Sheriff’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry at http://www.insor.org/insasoweb/index.jsp?optionSearch=noOptions. The registry is updated regularly so that you can safeguard yourself and your family. Do remember that this Indiana sex offender information cannot be used to intimidate or harass a sex offender. Information is power and the first step towards security.