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Frequently Asked Questions
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    The following list contains the specific section of the Code of Virginia and the literal offense for which registration as a Sex Offender is required.
     
    1
    I am interested in reviewing the laws that govern the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Can you please provide me the instructions to obtain this information via the Internet?
    2
    How much time does a sex offender have before being required to register after being released from jail or prison?
    3
    I would like more detailed information regarding the victims and crime that places the offender on the Registry? The information that is posted on the web is not enough.
    4
    Several years ago, I was a victim of an offender that was convicted of an offense that requires registration; however, he does not appear on the Registry.
    5
    Why have I not received my Sex Offender Address Verification/Re-registration form in the mail?
    6
    I am a registered sex offender from another state. Your Registry does not include the charge for which I was required to register in that state. Am I required to register in Virginia?
    7
    Can I receive community notification of sex offenders in my area?
    8
    Can you please provide the law that governs a sex offender's residence, work location, and proximity to schools and day care facilities?
    9
    I am a registered sex offender and moving to another state. What am I required to do before I move?
    10
    Can a juvenile convicted of a sex offense be required to register?
    11
    Is there a law against posting the photograph and offense of offenders that live in my jurisdiction in the restrooms of a local restaurant? I am a concerned citizen regarding the safety of the children?
    12
    The Sex Offender Registry is unlawful. The offender has served their time, just like every other criminal; however, the offender must register continuously. Why is this so important?
    13
    I am a victim of an individual that sexually molested me 20 years ago. I was young and scared and never told anyone that this person committed this crime? Can you add that person to this list because I feel that if he sexually molested me, that he treated others the same way? If not, can you arrest him or can you please guide me to the correct person.
    14
    What does re-registration mean and how often does the offender require registering?
    15
    I believe that photographs of these offenders posted on the web should be taken each year because the offender can disguise their appearance?
    16
    I am a sex offender that lives in an adjoining state that has been hired to work several weeks in Virginia. Is there a law that requires that I register in Virginia as a sex offender?
    17
    I understand that the violent offender is required to re-register for life but what is the re-registration requirement for the sex offender?
    18
    I am a violent sex offender and have been re-registering faithfully for eight years. Can I be removed from the website and have my re-registration requirement changed from quarterly to yearly?
    19
    My father is a violent offender and is terminally ill. He is not able to leave the house due to his condition; so therefore, he would not be able to reoffend? Can you please remove him from the Registry?
    20
    I am a sex offender and want to know when I will be removed from the Registry?
    21
    I checked your web page and noticed a wrong address for a sex offender?
    22
    Why have I not received my Sex Offender Address Verification/Re-registration form in the mail?
    23
    I am trying to locate a prisoner that was arrested five years ago that has moved from Merrimac Prison to another prison in Virginia. This offender was given 10 years. How can I find the prison he?s in and when he is going to be released?
    24
    I have noticed that some of the offenders do not have photographs. Doesn?t the law require the offender to be photographed?
    25
    Is there a law that prohibits offenders residing at the same location?
    26
    How often is the Registry updated?
    27
    My neighbor was posted on the Registry and now is no longer listed. Why was he removed?
    28
    When deciding if a person convicted of a sex crime in another state, and moving to Virginia, should be registered in Virginia, are details of the case investigated?
    29
    How to find out if an offender has a Probation Officer?
    30
    Does the Registry notify victim(s) when an offender is being released from incarceration?
    31
    What happens after I provide information on an offender to the Registry?
    32
    Can I call to get updates on an investigation?
    33
    I work for a third party background employment company and I need to verify the date of birth and social security number of one of your sex offenders.
    34
    I called the Registry and reported an offender who no longer lives at the address listed but they did not remove the address, why is that?
    35
    Do you have any advice concerning the safety of children when the offenders reside in neighborhoods?
    36
    I've noticed on the maps that an offender's location does not correspond to his physical address, Is something wrong with the mapping?
    37
    I recently learned that a new law was implemented that requires all registered offenders to report their e-mail and internet identification information to the State Police. Will the public have access to this information?
    38
    I understand that on July 1, 2007, all sex offenders that own their vehicles must report this information to the Registry. Will this information be made available for the public to access through this website?
    39
    My father is a sex offender and he was told that he no longer can attend any of my after school activities?
    40
    I was found not guilty by reason of insanity of a sexual offense on May 1, 2004, am I required to register as a sex offender?
    41
    Can a convicted sex offender participate in Halloween/Trick-or-Treat activities?
    42
    I recently moved outside of Virginia and no longer want to receive the community notifications. What can I do to stop receiving these emails?
    43
    Can you please provide me information regarding the sex offender community notification process?
    44
    I have been receiving SOR notifications for two years and in the past few weeks, I have not received any notifications. What action can be taken to resolve this problem?
       
      Answers
     
    1

    You can review all the statutes that govern the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry by accessing the Virginia Legislative Information Website at the following link: Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act

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    2 Every person required to register shall register in person within three (3) days of his release from confinement in a state, local or juvenile correctional facility or, if a sentence of confinement is not imposed, within three days of suspension of the sentence or in the case of a juvenile disposition.
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    3 The Sex Offender Registry provides a limited amount of information. If you would like more details, you may contact the sentencing court. Adult court records are public information unless sealed by order of the court.
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    4 Please provide as much information concerning this person, i.e. name, date of birth, name of court, etc? Submit the information at the following location: Comments. Once we receive this information, research will be conducted and if the person meets the criteria for registration, an investigation will be initiated.
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    5 If you have changed your address of residence, and did not re-register the change of address as required by law within three (3) days of relocating, you will not receive your verification form in the mail and are in violation of the law. Accordingly, you must immediately report to the nearest State Police or local law enforcement agency where you physically reside and submit your change of address as required. If you have not moved and/or you have complied with all registration duties and have not yet received the re-registration form, have your Registry Number available and phone (804) 674-2825.
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    6 Virginia law requires that a sex offender, who must register in the jurisdiction where he was convicted to register in Virginia when he establishes a residence, becomes employed or attends school in Virginia. Additionally, Virginia law requires an offender to register in Virginia if he/she has been convicted of a "substantially similar charge" as those requiring registration in Virginia.
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    7 Any person or entity may sign up for automated community notification regarding sexual offenders. You can sign up for community notification at the following location: Register for Community Notification

    The Registry will provide electronic notifications to all authorized entities that have an e-mail address. If you or your entity does not have the availability of Internet access, the community notification will be mailed by U. S. Mail for a fee. Written requests will be processed within three days of receipt.
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    8 Please refer to the following sections of the Code of Virginia:
    § 18.2-370.2. Sex offenses prohibiting proximity to children; penalty.
    § 18.2-370.3. Sex offenses prohibiting residing in proximity to children; penalty.
    § 18.2-370.4. Sex offenses prohibiting working on school property; penalty.
    § 18.2-370.5. Sex offenses prohibiting entry onto school property; penalty.
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    9 If the new residence is located outside of the Commonwealth, the offender shall register in person with the local law-enforcement agency where he previously registered within 10 days prior to his change of residence.
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    10 Any juvenile tried and convicted in the circuit court of one of the offenses requiring registration pursuant to § 9.1-902 of the Code of Virginia must register. Effective July 1, 2005, juveniles over the age of 13 at the time of the offense, who are tried as a juvenile and are adjudicated delinquent, are also included within the registry if the trial Court determined that the circumstances of the offense require offender registration and ordered the juvenile to register pursuant to § 9.1-902(C) of the Code of Virginia.
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    11 Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia:
    Misuse of registry information; penalty.
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    12 The purpose of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Registry) shall be to assist the efforts of law-enforcement agencies and others to protect their communities and families from repeat sex offenders and to protect children from becoming victims of criminal offenders by helping to prevent such individuals from being allowed to work directly with children.
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    13 Offenders meeting the criteria established by Virginia Code Section 9.1-901 must register. If you believe the offender meets the criteria, please provide as much information concerning this person, i.e. name, date of birth, name of court, etc. Submit the information at the following location: Comments Once we receive this information, research will be conducted and if the person meets the criteria for registration, an investigation will be initiated.
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    14 Registration means that the person has notified the State Police, confirmed his current physical and mailing address and provided such other information, including identifying information, which the State Police may require. Upon registration and as may be necessary thereafter, the State Police shall provide the person with an address verification form to be used for registration. The form shall contain in bold print a statement indicating that failure to comply with the registration required is punishable as provided in § 18.2-472.1. Every person required to register, other than a person convicted of a sexually violent offense or murder, shall reregister with the State Police on an annual basis from the date of the initial registration. Every person convicted of a sexually violent offense or murder shall register with the State Police every 90 days from the date of initial registration. B. Any person convicted of a violation of § 18.2-472.1 , other than a person convicted of a sexually violent offense or murder, shall register with the State Police every 180 days from the date of such conviction. Any person convicted of a violation of § 18.2-472.1, in which such person was included on the Registry for a conviction of a sexually violent offense or murder, shall register with the State Police every 30 days from the date of conviction.
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    15

    In accordance with 19VAC30-170-15, every person required to register shall submit to be photographed by a local law-enforcement agency every two years commencing with the date of initial registration. Photographs shall be in color, be taken with the registrant facing the camera, and clearly show the registrant's face and shoulders only. No person other than the registrant may appear in the photograph submitted.

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    16 Nonresident offenders entering the Commonwealth for an extended visit, for employment, to carry on a vocation, or as a student attending school who are required to register in their state of residence or who would be required to register if a resident of the Commonwealth shall, within three days of entering the Commonwealth for an extended visit, accepting employment or enrolling in school in the Commonwealth, be required to register and reregister in person with the local law-enforcement agency.

    Employment and "carry on a vocation" include employment that is full-time or part-time for a period of time exceeding 14 days or for an aggregate period of time exceeding 30 days during any calendar year, whether financially compensated, volunteered, or for the purpose of government or educational benefit.
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    17 Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia: § 9.1-908. Duration of registration requirement.
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    18 Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia: § 9.1-909. Relief from registration or reregistration.

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    19 Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia: § 9.1-909. Relief from registration or reregistration.
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    20

    Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia: § 9.1-910. Removal of name and information from Registry.

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    21

    Information regarding a particular offender can be submitted through the Tips icon located on each offender?s webpage.

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    22

    If you have changed your address of residence, and did not re-register the change of address as required by law within three (3) days of relocating, you will not receive your verification forms in the mail and are in violation of the law. Accordingly, you must immediately report to the nearest State Police or local law enforcement agency where you physically reside and submit your change of address as required. If you have not moved and/or you have complied with all registration duties and have not yet received the re-registration form, have your Registry Number available and phone (804) 674-3085.

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    23

    You can check the status of an inmate through the Department of Corrections Inmate Locator interface located at: Inmate Locator

    You can also call the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), toll-free at 800-467-4943. VINE is a 24-hour; anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides inmate information.

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    24 There are a low percentage of offenders on the registry that do not have a photograph. When these offenders are located, their photographs will be uploaded to the website.
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    25 Virginia does not have a law that restricts offenders from living together.
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    26 The Registry is updated daily.
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    27 Only the information on the web site can be disseminated to the public. There are many reasons why an offender may be removed from the website. Some examples are: 1) an offender moves to another state, 2) an offender petitions the court for the removal of his/her information from the registry and the court approves the petition, 3) if after further research the offender does not meet all of the requirements for registration, and 4) death.
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    28 Research is conducted on offenders who have been convicted in other states before a decision is made as to the offender's classification. The Registry reviews the elements of the out of state crime and it is compared to the list of Virginia's registerable offenses for a match. The age of the victim, the circumstances of the crime and time frame of the conviction are reviewed to determine if the offender meets Virginia's requirement to register. This information is also used to determine the classification of the offender. If the offense is not equivalent, but the offender is a registered sex offender in the jurisdiction of their conviction, they are required to register.
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    29 If the sex offender is on probation with the Department of Corrections it will be indicated on the offender's web page. A link to Probation and Parole website is also provided on the offender's page. If this link is not listed on the web page the offender is no longer on Probation Supervision.
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    30 No. The Department of Corrections provides victim notification services. Information is located at: Victim Services

    You can also call the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), toll-free at 800-467-4943. VINE is a 24-hour; anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides inmate information.
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    31 The Registry initiates an investigation based of the information that you have provided. Several databases are reviewed for pertinent information then a request is forwarded to a trooper for investigation. Investigations vary in duration and may take up to several weeks.
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    32 No, we do not disseminate information on active investigations.
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    33 We are not allowed by law to disseminate or confirm any information that is not listed on the web site. To verify if the prospective employee is the same person that is on the Registry, you will need to submit a Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Name Search Request Form (SP-266). The average response time for a request is 8-10 business days. The form may be downloaded from our web site www.virginiatrooper.org. Please click on Forms and the scroll down until you locate the form titled SP-266.
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    34 The Registry initiates an investigation based of the information that you have provided. Several databases are reviewed for pertinent information then a request is forwarded to a trooper for investigation. The address will not be removed until a Trooper investigates and determines the offender cannot be located. Once this task has been completed, the Registry will remove the address from the web site and the investigation will continue. Investigations vary in duration and may take up to several weeks.
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    35 The Department of State Police is very concerned regarding the safety of every child in Virginia. The Sex Offender website was designed to provide the citizens of the Commonwealth with information regarding the sex offender residing, working, attending school or visiting for an extended period so citizens can make informed decisions regarding their child?s safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children maintains a website on Child Safety which may have some useful information.
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    36 The mapping is based on the addresses furnished by the Sex Offender. The address is then converted to map coordinates for the mapping application, during the conversion some addresses do not convert. So, in order to at least provide a general location of the Sex Offender the application will try to convert other components of the address to coordinates; the components that are used if the address does not convert are: Zip+4, Zip+2, Zip and finally city and state.
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    37 No, that information is not available to the public, but is used by law enforcement agencies during investigations.
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    38 No, that information is not available to the public, but is used by law enforcement agencies during investigations.
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    39 Please refer to the following section of the Code of Virginia: § 18.2-370.5. Sex offenses prohibiting entry onto school property; penalty.
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    40 No. However, every person found not guilty by reason on insanity on or after July 1, 2007, of an offense defined in Virginia Code § 9.1-902, shall register and re-register as required by law. Every person in the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, or on conditional release on or after July 1, 2007, because of a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity of an offense defined in Virginia Code § 9.1-902, shall register and re-register as required by the Code.
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    41 If the convicted sex offender is on supervision - which means restrictions have been placed on them as they relate to probation supervision and not state law - then they may not be permitted to participate in trick-or-treat activities (i.e. porch lights must be turned off; not permitted to open the door to trick-or-treaters, etc.). This restriction only applies if that offender's conditions of probation supervision prohibit contact with children.

    If the convicted sex offender is not on supervision, then they are entitled to participate in trick-or-treat and other Halloween activities. This does apply to convicted sex offenders featured on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. The only exceptions relate to Code of Virginia 18.2-370.5, which restricts an offender's access to school property.

    Questions regarding an individual's probation supervision status and any restrictions placed on them as a result of that status should be directed to the local Probation and Parole office or the Virginia Department of Corrections.

    Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry to identify the relevant addresses of convicted sex offenders. This enables adults and guardians to make informed decisions on what residences/businesses to approach for trick-or-treating.

    Halloween night, the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Investigative Unit will be working with the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole to check on supervised sex offenders.
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    42 In order to delete your profile, Click on "Notification", and enter the characters at the bottom of the screen. Then, begin by entering your email address and password. Next, choose the My Profile tab, and then click on "Delete Profile".
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    43 In order to register, you may visit our website at http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/ and click on "Notification". Enter the requested characters at the bottom of the page to enter the website. Click on the blue "Register for Community Notification" link and follow the directions provided.

    You may modify your individual settings, including deletion or removal, by visiting our website at http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/ and clicking on "Notification". In order to enter certain portions of the Sex Offender Registry, you must enter the characters as asked at the bottom of the screen.

    In order to delete your profile, Click on "Notification", and enter the characters at the bottom of the screen. Then, begin by entering your email address and password. Next, choose the My Profile tab, and then click on "Delete Profile".

    In order to change an email address, you will need to delete the original profile and register the new email address as if you had never registered before.

    If you do not know or have forgotten your password, enter the email address that was originally registered and click on "Forgot Password?" Our system will email you a computer generated password. Once you receive the password, you may change your password and modify or delete your account however you see fit.

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    44 Please ensure that your system is set up to allow the sender Sex.Offender.Notification@vsp.virginia.gov or the domain vsp.virginia.gov to send you e-mail. If this is not done, your firewall or Internet Service Provider (ISP) may reject the community notifications as spam. If not successful, you will need to contact your ISP.