Access Rochester Sex Offenders

Rochester sex offenders are tracked through the New York State Sex Offender Registry and monitored locally by the Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Rochester is the third-largest city in New York State and the county seat of Monroe County. Both agencies work together on sex offender monitoring, address verification, and community notification. Residents can search for Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders online through the state registry at no cost, or call 1-800-262-3257 for Level 1 sex offender information.

Rochester Police and Sex Offender Monitoring

The Rochester Police Department handles sex offender monitoring within the city. Call 585-428-6720 for general inquiries. For emergencies, dial 911. The department coordinates with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on county-wide sex offender tracking.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office also plays a large role. Reach them at 585-753-4178. The Sheriff's Office maintains a detailed sex offender search page on its website and provides information about registration requirements, risk levels, and how to access sex offender data. The office works with DCJS to keep sex offender records current for Monroe County, including Rochester.

Level 3 sex offenders in Rochester must verify their address every 90 days in person with the Rochester Police or the Monroe County Sheriff. Officers confirm the offender lives at the registered address. If the offender looks different from their photo, police can take a new picture and submit it to the state registry. Level 2 sex offenders have their full address available online but do not face the 90-day check.

Community notification happens when a Level 2 or Level 3 sex offender moves into Rochester. The police department and the Sheriff's Office alert schools, daycare centers, places of worship, neighborhood watch groups, community centers, nursing homes, and other organizations that serve vulnerable populations. This is required by Correction Law Article 6-C.

How to Search for Sex Offenders in Rochester

There are four ways to get sex offender information in Rochester. First, search the NYS Sex Offender Registry online. The tool is free and runs 24 hours a day. Search by name, ZIP code, or select Monroe County. Results show photos, addresses, convictions, and vehicle info for Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders.

Second, call the toll-free line at 1-800-262-3257. This is the only way to check on Level 1 sex offenders. You need the person's name and one identifier: an exact address, date of birth, driver's license number, or Social Security number. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Third, contact the Rochester Police or the Monroe County Sheriff directly. Fourth, visit a local law enforcement office to view the subdirectory in person.

The Monroe County Sheriff's website has detailed information about these four methods. Rochester residents can also sign up for NY-ALERT through the state registry website to get free notifications when a sex offender moves near their home, work, or child's school. Register up to three locations by ZIP code, address, or municipality.

Sex Offender Risk Levels in Rochester

Every sex offender in Rochester gets a risk level after a court hearing. A judge looks at the facts of the case and scores the offender on factors like use of force, weapons, alcohol or drugs, victim age, number of victims, and the relationship between offender and victim. The risk level shows how likely the person is to re-offend.

Level 1 is low risk. These sex offenders register for 20 years unless they carry a designation. Their address is limited to ZIP code only. They are not in the online directory. Level 2 is moderate risk. Full address is public and searchable online. Level 3 is high risk and a threat to public safety. Full address is public, and these sex offenders must verify their address every 90 days. All Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in Rochester register for life.

A court can also designate a sex offender as a sexual predator, sexually violent offender, or predicate sex offender. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office notes that these designations trigger lifetime registration no matter what the risk level is. The SORA framework under Correction Law Article 6-C governs all of this.

Megan's Law and Rochester Sex Offenders

New York's Sex Offender Registration Act is the state's version of Megan's Law. It was signed by Governor George E. Pataki in July 1995 and took effect January 21, 1996. The statute sits in Correction Law Article 6-C, Section 168 et seq. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office provides extensive information about Megan's Law on its website, including details on how the law applies to sex offenders in Rochester and the broader Monroe County area.

The law requires sex offenders to register so law enforcement can track them. It also provides the public with information about sex offenders in their communities. The type and amount of information available depends on the offender's risk level. Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders have their details in the online public subdirectory. Level 1 sex offenders are available only through the phone line.

Sex Offender Compliance in Rochester

Sex offenders in Rochester must comply with all requirements under SORA. Address changes go to DCJS within 10 days. All internet accounts, email addresses, and screen names must be reported. Changes to online info get reported within 10 days. Failure to comply is an E felony for the first offense and a D felony for later violations. Non-compliance can also lead to revocation of parole or probation.

Level 1 and Level 2 sex offenders submit updated photos every three years. Level 3 sex offenders do it every year. The Rochester Police and Monroe County Sheriff can take new photos during address checks. Sex offenders who attend or work at a college must report that institution to DCJS.

Monroe County Resources

Rochester is the county seat of Monroe County. The county court system handles SORA hearings and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office assists with sex offender monitoring.

Nearby Cities

These towns near Rochester also have sex offender information and local resources.