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The State of Illinois provides a useful sex offender registry that goes beyond most other states. Illinois is one of the few states to offer a search that separates sex offenders whose victims were children from those whose victims were adults. Illinois refines this distinction by including the age of both the sex offender and the victim in the profile. Illinois clearly designates Sexual Predators, Sexually Dangerous Persons, and Sexually Violent Persons based on established criteria. Unlike other states, the Illinois Sex Offender Registry includes child murderers indicating this state has a clear understanding of the concerns of its residents.

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Information Provided:

The Illinois Sex Offender profiles are presented in an easy-to-read format with child or adult offender clearly labeled at the top of each page and specific labels are called out in red where appropriate. The labels include Sexual Predator, Sexually Dangerous Person, Sexually Violent Person, or Child Murderer, offering helpful information to the public. Profiles include standard information on offenders, but omit common details like eye color, hair color, scars, marks and tattoos.

No explanation of the offense is posted, just the statute number and legal name. However, the age of the victim appears in bold above the age of the offender, so the user may see the age differential and draw their own conclusions regarding risk from a specific sex offender.

Search Functions:

Illinois offers a search by offender details, offender type and gives you the tools to map offenders in your neighborhood from 500 feet to five miles. Easily link to profiles to see details and assess the risk of offenders near you.

Additional Site Features:

On the Illinois State Police page you can find the legal information about the sex offender registry including legislation, Sex Offender Registration information, notification laws and sex offender restrictions.

Ease of Use:

This site is simple to use and easy to find. This SOR site can easily be found through a search engine search or through the “public safety” link on the Illinois state homepage.

Contact Information:

The Illinois Sex Offender Registry Team can be contacted by telephone or you can submit inquiries or tips through an email form.

Summary:

Illinois provides one of the best search features focusing on the type of offender and includes child murderers, a category of offender usually not seen on sex offender registries. Clearly, Illinois has assessed which pieces of information would be most useful to its residents and their families.