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Maine State Police
Maine Sex Offender Registry

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who is the Responsible State Agency?

The Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification, is the State agency responsible for the maintenance of the Registry pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (Public Law 1991, chapter 809).

Sometimes I find other Sex Offender web sites listings for the State of Maine published by private entities, sheriff offices and/or local law enforcement agencies on the Internet. Is there any difference between those and the one published by the Maine State Police?

Yes. The Sex Offender Registry Web Site, maintained by the Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification, is the only one authorized by law to provide the public with sex offender registry information via the Internet.

Where can I find Maine law regarding the requirements for the Sex Offender Registration Act?

Title 34-A MRSA, Chapter 15: Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act of 1999 is the governing law.

Agency Contact and Address Information

Mailing Address: Sex Offender Registry
State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite #1
42 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0042
Physical Address: Sex Offender Registry
State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite #1
42 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0042
Telephone: Voice (207) 624-7270
TDD (207) 624-4478
Office Hours: Monday through Friday,
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

How to get started on the Offender Registry website.

The public will be able to search the registry website by using the:
1) registrant’s name; or
2) by city or town; or
3) by zip code.

Initial search results may return:
1) “No Matches Found for Your Request;”
2) A return of one or more names when you search by a specified name.
3) A return of all the registrants living in the city, town, or zip code you searched on.

What information can I find out about a registrant’s name returned with the initial search?

The following information about the registrant will be provided with the initial search:
1) name,
2) date of birth,
3) photograph (if one is available),
4) city or town of physical domicile,
5) place of employment, city or town (if available),
6) place of school attendance, city or town (if available/applicable), and
7) statutory citation and name of crime for which the registrant was convicted.

What additional information about a registrant is returned with the extended search?

To obtain additional information one must file a written request that includes the requestor’s name and address or e-mail address if the website is used.

The additional information will include:
1) alias names used by the registrant,
2) registrant’s personal demographics such as sex, race, height, weight, and eye color,
3) mailing and home address or domicile of registrant, and
4) a legal description of the crime for which the registrant was convicted, the date of the conviction and the sentence imposed.

Is there a cost for this information?

There is no cost for this information.

How current is this information?

The registration information contained on this web site will be updated on a daily basis to reflect the most current information on file with the State Bureau of Identification. The date of the last update is displayed on each page. Registrant’s are required to verify their address on a periodic basis and upon a change of address. The date of the last address verification is indicated next to the registrant’s address. Registrants may, however, have moved and failed to notify the State Bureau of Identification of their change of address. Therefore the State Bureau of Identification can not guarantee the accuracy of the listed address.

Is there anything I can do if I know the information is wrong or not current?

Yes. The public can call, write or e-mail the Registry Office directly. All information will be thoroughly researched.

Can I find out if this individual has been convicted of any other crimes?

You can request a Criminal History Record check either by contacting the Maine State Bureau of Identification directly or using the online web site, www.maine.gov/pcr . Generally there is a $25 fee associate with this service. For more detailed information, please refer to the web site.

What if I do not find the name I was looking?

The public may contact the Registry Office and provide information regarding any individual that they believe should be registered. Registry staff will research the information and determine if the individual is required by law to register. There are several reasons why an individual may not appear in the Registry:
1. The individual is still incarcerated.
2. The required registration period has been completed.
3. The crime the individual was convicted of does not require registration.
4. The individual is a new registrant and registration is in process.
5. There has been a court order ending the individual’s requirement to register.

How is public notification made when a registrant moves into a neighborhood?

Public notification is made at the discretion of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area in which you reside. If you have questions regarding how public notification is made in your community please contact the local law enforcement agency.

Does the law prohibit a registrant from living near a school, day care or playground?

In those cases in which the registrant’s sentence includes probation, there may be special conditions regarding where the registrant can live. Absent these special conditions, the registrant generally is not restricted.

Is every registrant listed on the web site is a child molester?

No. There are a wide variety of crimes that require registration. Victims of these crimes include both adults (age 18 and over) and minors (under the age of 18). Please refer to Title 34-A MRSA, Chapter 15 for a complete listing.

What do I do when I suspect possible abuse?

The following link will connect you with the Department of Human Services, which provides a 24-hour hot line, regarding the abuse of minors (under the age of 18) www.state.me.us/dhs/bcfs/abuse.htm.

If the suspected abuse involves an adult (age 18 and older), the following link will provide with a list of statewide service numbers, www.state.me.us/dhs/phone1.htm.

Maine Department of Corrections also provides a web site and information for victims of crimes that include sentencing information, anticipated date of release, place of confinement and restitution status. This web site is www.state.me.us/corrections/VictimServices/default.htm.

Can I find out if someone is incarcerated?

If an individual is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, and is incarcerated in a DOC facility, inmate information may be obtained at www.maine.gov/corrections/FAQ.htm.

 

Questions about this Service? Contact the office at: (207) 624-7270 or Email: maine_SOR.help@maine.gov