Man challenges Indiana's Sex Offender Registry - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

A convicted sex offender is taking the state to court today. He says he shouldn't have to be on the sex offender registry because he committed the crime in another state, before there was any such thing as the sex offender registry.
 
The case brings up the question - who is on the registry and who isn't?

Indiana law dictates exactly which offenses require the offender to register. Generally, all sexual-related offenses and some violent criminals must register. They may have to register for a few years, or a lifetime, depending on the circumstances.  The registry is very easy to use, with searches based on several parameters.  It also sends e-mail alerts.

The Indiana Sex & Violent Offender registry is almost ten years old. It was formed in 2003 under what's commonly called Zachary's Law - named after a ten-year-old who was abducted and murdered by a convicted child molester. 

The registry is updated on a daily basis, but is not fool proof.  If an offender moves to Indiana from another state, it's not always clear if that person is required to register.  There are a lot of factors to help determine whether an out-of-state offender must register in Indiana. For instance, a specific crime in one state may not exactly match a crime in Indiana. So sometimes, there are gray areas. 

"There are folks, living in this county and other counties, who have been convicted of a sex offense in another state who are not legally required to register," said Captain Michael Hubbs of the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

While not perfect, the registry is designed as a tool to help residents keep their family safe by providing information that can help determine where to buy a house or where to let your kids play. 

Officials are tweaking the system, as well.

Another recent court case mandated that the state figure out a way to easily remove someone who may be on the list by mistake.  And some lawmakers have discussed streamlining the registry.  Right now it is administered by each county sheriff, so one thought was to move and maintain it at a central location.  Even with some flaws, the system does provide an easy way to search for offenders in your area. 

"That's the goal," said Hubbs, "...to make sure the public gets the clearest and most concise information possible, within minutes of clicking on a computer."

You can also sign up for e-mail alerts that let you know when an offender moves into your neighborhood. 

Indiana Sex Offender Registry