Potomac News Online | How to Use Virginia’s Sex Offender Registry
Virginia’s registry of violent sex offenders can be searched online at:
https://sex-offender.vsp.state.va.us/cool-ICE/
To check if there are registered offenders living in your neighborhood, click on “search for violent sex offenders.” You can search the registry by entering a ZIP code, city or county.
To see if an individual is listed on the registry, click on “search for violent sex offenders.” Then enter first and last names.
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Remember that a small percentage of the offenders on Virginia’s registry are considered sex offenders rather than violent sex offenders and are not listed online or available to the general public. If you are part of an organization that deals with a vulnerable population, such as a day care, school or hospital, you can register with the Virginia State Police to receive notices when a sex offender moves in or out of your area. To register, click on “community notification registration” and fill out the form.
If you are hiring an individual to work in your house or to mind your children, Virginia State Police Lt. T.W. Turner recommends that you check the violent sex offender registry and send the name to the state police to check in the sex offender registry. To have the state police check the individual in the sex offender registry, go to https://www.vsp.state.va.us/forms.htm. Click on “SP-266 Sex Offender & Crimes Against Minors Registry Name Search Request Form.” Fill out and mail the form to state police with a $15 check.
— Maria Hegstad