Sex Offender Registry FAQ's

1. Does Michigan provide sex offender information via the Internet?
2. How much information about offenders is provided to the public?
3. How do I sign up to receive an email notification when a sex offender moves into my neighborhood?
4. How do I change the zip code designations?
5. I never received an email notification to allow me to complete my registration. Why not?
6. How do I deactivate my email notification account?
7. My screen does not seem to be formatted correctly. Why not?
8. There is a sex offender that moved into my zip code but I was not notified. Can you tell me why?
9. Can I download the entire list of sex offenders and their information from the Internet?
10. Can the offender's victim information be released?
11. I know of someone who was convicted of a sex crime in Michigan, but his/her name is not on the list. Why not?
12. Can you provide additional search tips or information concerning errors I have received while searching for an offender?
13. There are new features on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry website. Can you explain these?
14. Where do the links at the side of the page take you?
15. Who has to register as a sexual offender in Michigan?
16. What are the listed offenses?
17. What are the registry responsibilities of sex offenders?
18. How long must offenders remain registered as sex offenders?
19. How often must offenders verify their address?
20. How do I obtain additional information on an offense committed by a registered offender?
21. What is the difference between the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) and the Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR)?
22. Are there juveniles on the PSOR?
23. What happens when an offender moves to another state?
24. Who should I contact if I know of an error on the web site?
25. Who should I contact if I think an offender is in violation of the Sex Offenders Registration Act?
26. Are there web sites similar to the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry where I can access information regarding registered sex offenders in other states?
27. How can I remove my name from the Public Sex Offender Registry?

1. Does Michigan provide sex offender information via the Internet?
   Yes. Convicted sex offenders who qualify under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, Act 295 of 1994, are listed on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) website. The Internet address is www.mipsor.state.mi.us .

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2. How much information about offenders is provided to the public?
   The Public Sex Offender Registry site includes an offender's registerable offense, his/her photo (when available), a physical description, the offender's last reported address, whether the offender is attending and/or employed at a post secondary school and any aliases. This information can be printed from the web page.

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3. How do I sign up to receive an email notification when a sex offender moves into my neighborhood?
   Step1: Access the Public Sex Offender Registry site. Go to the "Search Criteria" page. Click on the link, toward the bottom of the page, "Sign Up For Email Alerts."
   
   Step 2: Enter your full email address twice and click "Continue Your Registration." An email address is required so that the registry can provide you notification when a sex offender moves into the zip code(s) you designate. Your email data will not be shared with any other individuals or organizations.
   
   Step 3: Once you complete Step 2, a notice will be sent to the email address provided. Click on the link provided in the email to activate your account.
   
   Step 4: To activate your account, select a password at least 8-12 characters long. Re-enter the same password to verify. This password can contain numbers or letters.
   Next, select a "Hint Question" from the drop down list then type the answer to the question selected. The "Hint Question" is required by the system to allow you to receive your password via email if it is forgotten.
   
   Step 5: You may now enter one to six zip codes then click "SAVE." Each time an offender moves into one of the listed zip codes, a notification will be sent to the email address provided. Note: Notification will not be provided if an offender moves out of the area.

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4. How do I change the zip code designations?
   To change your zip code designations, go to the "Search Criteria" screen and click on "Already Registered? Click Here to Log In." Then enter your full email address and password to access your account information. You may then use the "Email Alert Account Information" screen to change, add (up to a total of six) or remove existing zip codes.

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5. I never received an email notification to allow me to complete my registration. Why not?
   Because all browsers work differently, the email may have been automatically saved in a folder other than the "new" mail folder. Please check all incoming folders (Spam, Bulk Mail, etc.) of your email service.
   
   If you get an error message stating "The email address you have submitted is already on file with the PSOR Email Alert System!" this signifies you have already submitted your email address.
   
   You have five days to complete the account activation process detailed in question 3. If, for some reason, you do not receive an email notification within five days or do not complete the activation, any account information will be removed from the system. After five days you may try the account creation process again.

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6. How do I deactivate my email notification account?
   To deactivate your account, go to the "Search Criteria" screen and click on "Already Registered? Click Here to Log in." Enter your full email address and password to access your account information. Next, click on "deactivate your account."
   
   A notification stating your account has been deactivated will be sent to the email provided.

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7. My screen does not seem to be formatted correctly. Why not?
   This web site is optimized for Internet Explorer 6 or newer browser. Use of other browsers may produce unexpected results. Click here to download IE 6 free of charge .

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8. There is a sex offender that moved into my zip code but I was not notified. Can you tell me why?
   Offenders have 10 days to register at their new address. It may be the offender has yet to register.
   
   Try to access your "Email Alert Account Information" screen. It may be that your activation was never completed. This is a multi-step process. If all steps were not completed, you will not receive notification on any offenders. If you cannot access your email alert account, try to register for email alerts again.
   
   Also, check to make sure the zip codes listed are correct.

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9. Can I download the entire list of sex offenders and their information from the Internet?
   The entire list of registered sex offenders and the corresponding information is not available for download at this time. You can, however, print each page you access.

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10. Can the offender's victim information be released?
    No. Michigan law does not allow dissemination of victim information.

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11. I know of someone who was convicted of a sex crime in Michigan , but his/her name is not on the list. Why not?
    There are several reasons a sex offender may not be on the Public Sex Offender Registry, including:
    • The offender is an adjudicated juvenile.
    • The offender is deceased.
    • The offender's conviction was not a listed offense requiring registration.
    • The offender's conviction date was prior to October 1, 1995, and the offender was no longer involved with the criminal justice system for that offense at that time.

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12. Can you provide additional search tips or information concerning errors I have received while searching for an offender?
    
    My search has returned more than 200 records:
    The system does not allow more than 200 responses to a search. Try limiting your search by selecting additional criteria such as a last name, city, or county with a specified zip code.
    
    My search was not processed. It says I cannot search on "age" alone or "first name" alone.
    At least one of the following fields must be populated to request a search: Last Name, City, Zip Code, County, and/or Campus/School.
    
    Slow Internet Connection
    Users with a slow internet connection may turn off the thumbnail photo feature to speed up page load time. To do this, choose "No" on the Search Criteria page when given the option, "Show Thumbnails."

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13. Can you explain these?
    The new site allows users to more easily search for offenders using last name, city, zip code, county or campus/school. The web site previously allowed searches only by entering the offender's zip code or full name with an approximate age.
    
    In addition, users will learn if the offender is attending or employed at a post secondary school, as well as receive descriptions of offenses via a link to the Michigan Compiled Laws.
    
    A photograph (when available) of each offender now appears as a thumbnail next to the offender's information with a full-size graphic when the "Details" screen is accessed.
    
    Over the next two years, additional features and information will be added to the site in an ongoing effort to make the registry a helpful tool for the public.

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14. Where do the links at the side of the page take you?
    The links displayed on the left side of most PSOR pages provide the following information:
    • Have You Seen Me? Help Locate Absconders: This link will show you ten individuals who are not in compliance with the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act. If you have information concerning the whereabouts of these individuals, please contact the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry Unit toll free at 1-866-761-7678, or the nearest law enforcement agency.
      
      Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): This site allows a search of offenders previously or currently under the jurisdiction or supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
    • Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT): This site allows users to search the Michigan Criminal History Record database. It is updated daily with felony and misdemeanor arrest, charge and conviction information provided by law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the State of Michigan . This search does not include federal arrests or criminal records from other states.
    • National Sex Offender Registry: This link will take you to the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Registry, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice. This is a cooperative effort between the state agencies hosting public sexual offender registries and the federal government to provide sex offender information at a national level.
    • Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act: This link will take you to the Michigan Compiled Laws Page; specifically the Sex Offenders Registration Act 295 of 1994
    • Related Links: This link will take you to a page that provides many related sites concerning sex offender laws, information, and resources.

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15. Who has to register as a sexual offender in Michigan ?
    Anyone who resides, works, or is a student in Michigan , permanently or temporarily, for 14 or more consecutive days or 30 days in a calendar year is required to register if any of the following apply:
    
    Anyone convicted of a listed offense after October 1, 1995.
    
    Anyone convicted of a listed offense on or before October 1, 1995, if on October 1, 1995, he/she was on probation or parole, committed to jail, committed to the Department of Corrections, or under the jurisdiction of the juvenile division of the probate court or the department of social services for that listed offense.
    
    Anyone convicted of an offense on or before October 1, 1995, if on October 1, 1995, he or she is on probation or parole that has been transferred to this state for that offense or his or her probation or parole is transferred to this state after October 1, 1995 for that offense.
    
    Anyone who is required to register or otherwise be identified as a sex or child offender or predator under a comparable statute from another state.

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16. What are the listed offenses?
    Pursuant to M.C.L. 28.722, the following are the listed offenses that require registration in Michigan :
    • Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (M.C.L. 750.145a);
    • Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes (prior conviction) (M.C.L. 750.145b);
    • Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material (M.C.L. 750.145c);
    • Crime Against Nature or Sodomy, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.158);
    • Indecent Exposure While Engaging in a Lewd/Lascivious Act (M.C.L. 750.335a(2)(b)), if previously convicted of violation of M.C.L. 750.335a.
    • Three convictions of any combination of:
      • Disorderly Person (M.C.L.750.167(1)(f));
      • Indecent Exposure(M.C.L. 750.335a(2)(a));
    • Gross Indecency Between Male Persons, if the victim is less than 18 years of age and the offender is not adjudicated as a juvenile (M.C.L. 750.338)
    • Gross Indecency Between Female Persons, if the victim is less than 18 years of age and the offender is not adjudicated as a juvenile (M.C.L. 750.338a)
    • Gross Indecency Between Male & Female Persons, if the victim is less than 18 years of age and the offender is not adjudicated as a juvenile (M.C.L. 750.338b)
    • Kidnapping, if the victim is less than 18 years of age (M.C.L. 750.349)
    • Leading, Taking, Carrying Away, Decoying, or Enticing Away Child Under 14 (M.C.L. 750.350)
    • Soliciting, Accosting, or Inviting to Commit Prostitution or Immoral Act (M.C.L. 750.448)
    • Pandering (M.C.L. 750.455)
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (M.C.L. 750.520b)
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree (M.C.L. 750.520c)
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree (M.C.L. 750.520d)
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree (M.C.L. 750.520e)
    • Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct (M.C.L. 750.520g) 
    • Any violation of state law or local ordinance that by its nature constitutes a sexual offense against an individual who is less than 18 years of age.
    • Any offense committed by a person who was, at the time of the offense, a sexually delinquent person.
    • Any offense substantially similar to a listed offense under a law of the United States , any state, or any country or under tribal or military law.

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17. What are the registry responsibilities of sex offenders?
    • They must report any change of address within ten (10) days of moving.
    • They must verify their address.
    • They must report attendance or employment (or any change of attendance or employment) at an institution of higher learning.
    • They must pay a one-time $35 fee.
    • They must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license or personal identification card.
    • They must sign all required registration forms.
    • They must not reside, work or loiter in a student safety zone.

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18. How long must offenders remain registered as sex offenders?
    10 years: Offenders who are assigned Youthful Trainee Status and are granted an alternative registration petition by the court must register for 10 years.
    
    25 years: Offenders who are convicted of a listed offense that does not require lifetime registration must register for 25 years.
    
    Lifetime: Offenders who are convicted of any of the following listed offenses must register for their lifetime:
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (M.C.L. 750.520b)
    • Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree (M.C.L. 750.520c(1)(a)
    • Kidnapping (M.C.L. 750.346)
    • Leading, Taking, Carrying Away, Decoying, or Enticing Away Child Under 14 (M.C.L. 750.350)
    • Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material (M.C.L. 750.145c(2))
    • Child Sexually Abusive Activity or Material (M.C.L. 750.145c(3)) Offenders who are convicted of any second or subsequent listed offense must register for their lifetime.

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19. How often must offenders verify their address?
    Yearly: Offenders who are convicted of a misdemeanor listed offense, an offense that is punishable by imprisonment of less than one year, must report in-person to a law enforcement agency not earlier than January 1st, and no later than January 15th of each year.
    
    Quarterly: Offenders who are convicted of a felony listed offense, an offense that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, must report in person to a law enforcement agency not earlier than the 1st, and no later than the 15th of January, April, July, and October of each year.

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20. How do I obtain additional information on an offense committed by a registered offender?
    If you know the county in which the offense was committed, you can contact the court of conviction to request a copy of the court file. A complete directory of Michigan Trial Courts can be found on the Michigan Courts web site.
    
    If you do not know the county in which the offense was committed, you can obtain a copy of the criminal history record (CHR) through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The criminal history record will include the county in which the offense occurred. You can then contact the court of conviction and request a copy of the court file. A search on ICHAT requires the individual's name and date of birth. There is a $10 fee per search. To access ICHAT, please click here .
    
    Please note: A conviction will not appear on a criminal history check if the offender has a sealed or expunged record or was convicted in another state.

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21. What is the difference between the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) and the Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR)?
    The SOR is the database that contains the sex offender registration records (both public and non-public offender information) that is available only for law enforcement purposes.
    
    The PSOR is the internet site that displays the public offender information contained in the SOR database for the public to view.

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22. Are there juveniles on the PSOR?
    No. Juvenile offenders only appear on the Public Sex Offender Registry after their 18th birthday if they were convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (M.C.L. 750.520b) or Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree (M.C.L. 750.520c).

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23. What happens when an offender moves to another state?
    Offenders who move to another state are required to report to the nearest Michigan State Police (MSP) post 10 days prior to moving to provide their new address. The MSP Sex Offender Registration Unit then notifies the other state of the offender's reported new address.
    
    After leaving the state, offenders will remain in the SOR database for the remainder of their registration period, but are not required to comply with Michigan 's reporting duties unless they move back to Michigan .
    
    Once in the new state, they must comply with the registry requirements of that state.

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24. Who should I contact if I know of an error on the web site?
    If you are aware of an error regarding an offender's information on the Web site, you may either submit a tip to the SOR Registry or you can contact the law enforcement agency where the offender's listed address is located.

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25. Who should I contact if I think an offender is in violation of the Sex Offenders Registration Act?
    If you think an offender has moved and not changed his/her address on the registry, you should contact the local law enforcement agency where the offender is actually residing.

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26. Are there web sites similar to the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry where I can access information regarding registered sex offenders in other states?
    Yes. Some states have Internet sites listing registered sex offenders within their state. A list of web sites by state can be found at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm .
    
    In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice established the National Sex Offender Public Registry web site at www.nsopr.gov . This site allows citizens to search the sex offender registries of participating states.

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27. How can I remove my name from the Public Sex Offender Registry?
    Sex offenders who are adjudicated as juveniles, may be eligible to petition the court for alternative registration requirements. This may include removal of your name from the public registry.
    
    
    

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