Buffalo Sex Offenders
Buffalo sex offenders are registered with the New York State Sex Offender Registry and monitored by the Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York State and the seat of Erie County. The Buffalo Police Department handles sex offender monitoring within city limits, while the Erie County Sheriff assists with county-wide tracking. Residents can search the state registry online for free to find Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in Buffalo, or call 1-800-262-3257 for Level 1 sex offender information.
Buffalo Sex Offender Overview
Buffalo Police and Sex Offender Monitoring
The Buffalo Police Department is the primary agency for sex offender monitoring within city limits. Call 716-851-4444 for general inquiries. For emergencies, dial 911. The department works closely with the Erie County Sheriff's Office on sex offender tracking across the county.
Buffalo has a dedicated Sex Offender Registry Deputy. Alicia Gordon handles sex offender information requests and can be reached at (716) 858-3285. She serves as a point of contact for residents who need details about sex offenders in Buffalo. The Erie County Sheriff's ID Bureau is another resource and can be reached at (716) 858-7618 for police reports and arrest records.
Level 3 sex offenders in Buffalo must verify their address every 90 days in person with the Buffalo Police Department or the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Officers confirm that each sex offender lives at the listed address. If the offender's appearance has changed, police take a new photo and send it to the state registry. Level 2 sex offenders have their full address online but are not subject to the 90-day check.
When a Level 2 or Level 3 sex offender moves into Buffalo, the police department notifies local schools, daycare centers, places of worship, community centers, and neighborhood watch groups. This community notification process is required by Correction Law Article 6-C.
How to Search for Sex Offenders in Buffalo
The NYS Sex Offender Registry is the fastest way to search for sex offenders in Buffalo. The online tool lets you search by name, ZIP code, or by selecting Erie County. It is free and available 24 hours a day. Results show photos, home addresses, convictions, vehicle info, and conditions of supervision for Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders.
Level 1 sex offenders are not in the online directory. State law keeps their info off the public website. To check if someone in Buffalo is a Level 1 sex offender, call 1-800-262-3257. You need the person's name plus one of these: an exact address, date of birth, driver's license number, or Social Security number. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. You can also call the Sex Offender Registry Deputy at (716) 858-3285.
Sign up for NY-ALERT to get free notifications when a sex offender moves into or out of your part of Buffalo. Register up to three locations through the NYS Sex Offender Registry website. You can choose by ZIP code, address, or municipality.
Sex Offender Risk Levels in Buffalo
Every sex offender in Buffalo gets a risk level after a court hearing. A judge reviews the facts and scores the offender. Factors include use of force, weapons, alcohol or drugs, the victim's age, and the number of victims. Two sex offenders convicted of the same offense can get different risk levels depending on the details of their cases.
Level 1 is low risk. These sex offenders register for 20 years unless they carry a special designation. Their address is limited to ZIP code only. Level 2 is moderate risk. Full address is public and available online. Level 3 means high risk and a threat to public safety. These sex offenders have their full address public and must verify it every 90 days in person. All Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in Buffalo register for life under Correction Law Article 6-C.
A court can also designate a sex offender as a sexual predator, sexually violent offender, or predicate sex offender. Any of these designations means lifetime registration regardless of risk level.
Erie County Court Resources for Buffalo Sex Offenders
The Erie County court system handles SORA hearings for sex offenders in Buffalo. The Erie County Supreme Court is at 25 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202. The court's phone number is (716) 845-9301. Risk level determinations and designation hearings take place here.
The Erie County Clerk at 92 Franklin St provides access to court records. You can request records in person or by mail at Erie County Clerk's Office, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. The clerk's office holds records related to sex offender proceedings and other court cases in Erie County.
Sex Offender Compliance Rules in Buffalo
Sex offenders in Buffalo must comply with the Sex Offender Registration Act. Address changes must be reported to DCJS within 10 days. All internet accounts, email addresses, screen names, and social media profiles must be reported too. Any changes to online info go to DCJS within 10 days. Not complying is a felony.
Photo updates follow a set schedule. Level 1 and Level 2 sex offenders provide new photos every three years. Level 3 sex offenders do it annually. Officers can also take photos during address checks. Sex offenders who attend or work at a college must notify DCJS. The Erie County Sheriff and the Buffalo Police work together to make sure sex offenders in the city meet all these requirements.
Erie County Resources
Buffalo is the county seat of Erie County. The county handles SORA proceedings and sex offender monitoring through the Sheriff's Office and the court system.
Nearby Cities
These towns near Buffalo also have sex offender information and local resources.