DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Sexual Offender Information
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Sexual Offender Registration and Tracking (S.O.R.T.) Unit is responsible for monitoring registered sexual offenders and sexual predators residing in DeKalb County. The unit registers offenders, verifies addresses, conducts compliance investigations, and works to ensure public safety through offender accountability and community awareness programs.
Sexual Offender Registration & Tracking (S.O.R.T.) Unit
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: 404-298-8397
The S.O.R.T. Unit monitors active registered sexual offenders currently residing in DeKalb County, including offenders housed in the DeKalb County Jail and those experiencing homelessness. Sexually dangerous predators under probation supervision are monitored through specialized tracking programs. Information about offender registration requirements and community notification resources is available below.
OffenderWatch®
Search offender information, create confidential address alerts, and receive notifications whenever a registered offender moves near a registered address.
Access OffenderWatch®Georgia Sex Offender Registry
Access the official Georgia Bureau of Investigation statewide sexual offender registry and statewide offender information.
Access RegistryFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Sexual Offender?
- A person convicted of a criminal offense against a minor or a dangerous sexual offense.
- A person convicted of qualifying offenses under federal, military, tribal, or another state's laws.
2. What is a Dangerous Sexual Predator?
- An individual designated as a sexually violent predator.
- A person determined by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board to be at risk of committing future dangerous sexual offenses.
3. Who is required to register?
Individuals convicted of qualifying sexual offenses, offenders relocating to Georgia, certain first-offender cases, qualifying nonresident offenders working, attending school, or residing in Georgia, and other individuals as required by Georgia law.
4. Who is not required to register?
- Certain offenders released prior to July 1, 1996.
- Certain misdemeanor offenders after June 30, 2001.
- Certain juvenile court prosecutions after June 30, 2001.
5. Who enters offender records into the registry?
The Georgia Department of Corrections, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintain registry records and updates.
6. How often is the registry updated?
Registry information is updated daily. Sheriffs are required to update offender information within two working days of notification.
7. What is the registration process?
Offenders must register upon release, relocation, employment changes, school attendance, address changes, and annual verification requirements as required by Georgia law.
8. What happens if an offender fails to register?
Failure to comply with registration requirements may result in felony prosecution and significant prison sentences, including life imprisonment for repeat violations.
9. What if offender information changes?
Required updates must be reported within 72 hours, including address changes and other registration information updates.
10. Who should be contacted regarding an incorrect offender address?
Contact the sheriff's office in the offender's county of residence. In DeKalb County call 404-298-8397.
11. What happens when an offender relocates to Georgia?
The offender must report in person to the sheriff of the county of residence within 72 hours after relocating.
12. What happens if an offender moves to another state?
The offender must notify the sheriff of the last county of registration and register with the appropriate authorities in the new state.
13. Why might an offender not appear in the registry?
- The offender is deceased.
- The offender does not meet registration requirements.
- The registration is still being processed.
- Search criteria entered is incorrect.
14. Are juveniles required to register?
Generally no, unless prosecuted and convicted as adults.
15. How long does an offender remain on the registry?
Many offenders remain on the registry for life, although certain individuals may petition the court for relief if eligibility requirements under Georgia law are met.
16. What could happen if I harbor a sexual offender who is violating registration requirements?
Georgia law provides criminal penalties for knowingly assisting an offender in avoiding compliance, concealing their whereabouts, or providing false information to law enforcement.