Sex Offender Registry - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q. What is required for a name to appear on the public sex offender registry (SOR)?
   
   A: All persons convicted of serious sex crimes that are no longer incarcerated, including federal, military, out-of-state convictions and certain adjudicated juveniles, must register if residing in South Dakota for more than thirty days. Convicted sex offenders must register with the local police department or sheriff's office in their area.
   
   
2. Q. How can I get more detailed information about a registered sex offender?
   
   A: Please visit the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry
   
   
3. Q. I recently moved into a residence and found out that a registered offender lived here before me. How can I get my address removed from the SOR?
   
   A: When an offender moves from an address, he/she has ten days to notify law enforcement of the change of address. If the offender fails to do so, he/she has committed a misdemeanor offense (subsequent violation is a felony). You should contact your local law enforcement agency or call the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 773-3331 and ask for the SOR Compliance Coordinator. Your address will be removed from the SOR.
   
   
4. Q. I know an offender on the SOR who does not live at the address listed. Who should I contact with this information?
   
   A: You should contact the law enforcement agency where the sex offender is listed as residing or the law enforcement agency where the offender is actually living. Another option would be to call the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 773-3331 and ask for the SOR Compliance Coordinator.
   
   
5. Q. I know an offender who was convicted of a sex crime who is currently incarcerated and not on the SOR. Why is that?
   
   A: Until the incarcerated offender is released from custody, you will not see the name listed on the SOR.
   
   
6. Q. I noticed what might be an error in the SOR (i.e. wrong address). Who should I contact?
   
   A: You should contact your local law enforcement agency. They can ascertain if there is an error that needs correction.
   
   
7. Q. Is there a place where I can view the SOR law?
   
   A: Yes. You can view the entire law (SDCL 22-22-30 through 22-22-41) on the South Dakota Legislative Research Council's web site.
   
   
8. Q. How long does the convicted sex offender remain on the SOR?
   
   A: South Dakota requires lifetime registration.