Texas Reviewer's Comments

The Texas Sex Offender Registry posts detailed information about each registered sex offender and has a complex mapping function. This is one of the only sites to offer a Spanish translation. It is more difficult to navigate than higher ranked sites, but once mastered, the information fulfills the public safety goal set by Texas for its residents. 

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Information Provided:  

Texas offers a nearly complete profile on each sex offender—only distinguishing marks and vehicles are omitted. Each registrant’s profile has one or more clear pictures, birth date, name, aliases and address. The physical description is detailed down to the shoe size.The sex offense information includes the offense, number of counts, the sex and age of the victim, disposition, time served, and current status of the sex offender. Risk level is also included when available. 

Search Functions:  

Search the Texas sex offender registry by geographical location, first and last name, race and gender. To search by gender, you must provide a first and last name. The site also offers a search by higher-level education. Use the convenient dropdown menu to select a school and determine if a registered sex offender is employed or enrolled. Although you cannot search by risk level or crime, the interactive map displays sex offender locations color-coded for risk level: high, moderate and low. 

Additional Site Features:  

The mapping function is more difficult to use than other sites, but provides detailed information. The Spanish version is a useful addition and the FAQs page is informative and clearly written. 

Ease of Use:  

Help section is technical and the mapping function is difficult compared to maps on other sex offender registries. However, the link to the map from a profile is useful and easy to use. 

Contact Information:  

If you have questions, you may contact the Texas Department of Public Safety by phone or email. 

Summary:  

The Texas Sex Offender Registry provides the information Texans look for to help make their communities safer. Color-coded risk levels on the map, a Spanish translation and convenient search of post-secondary schools place Texas among the higher ranked sex offender registries in the country.