Los Angeles County Sex Offender Records
Registered sex offenders in Los Angeles County check in with local police departments or the sheriff based on where they live. The County Probation Department also runs a sex registrant supervision program. Anyone subject to Penal Code 290 must register at the law enforcement agency serving their area. Los Angeles has multiple registration sites due to its size. You can search for registered offenders through California's Megan's Law website by entering any LA County address. Offenders register within five working days of moving here or being released from custody. Annual updates happen on each person's birthday, with more frequent check-ins for transients and sexually violent predators.
Los Angeles County Quick Facts
Registration Locations
Los Angeles County uses a decentralized system for sex offender registration. If you live in the City of Los Angeles, you register with LAPD. If you live in an unincorporated area, you register with the LA County Sheriff. Many cities in the county have their own police departments that handle registration. You must register where you live, not at a central office.
For LAPD areas, contact REACT (Registration and Compliance Team) at 818-374-9675. They coordinate registration for the City of Los Angeles. The sheriff has multiple stations across the county. Call 866-931-2222 to find the station serving your address. Cities like Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, and Santa Clarita have their own police departments with registration units. Call the local police for hours and procedures.
When you register, bring valid ID and proof of address. This can be a utility bill, lease, or mail with your name and current LA County address. If you own a vehicle, bring registration documents. Staff will photograph you, collect fingerprints, and gather information about where you live and work. You must also disclose internet identifiers like email and social media accounts. The process takes 30 to 45 minutes. The local agency submits your data to the state.
Probation Supervision
The LA County Probation Department runs a sex registrant supervision program. This program monitors high-risk offenders on probation. Not all registered sex offenders are on probation, but those who are may have additional reporting requirements. Probation officers work with local police and the sheriff to track compliance. They conduct home visits and employment checks.
Offenders on probation must follow strict rules. These can include GPS monitoring, no contact with minors, restricted internet use, and regular check-ins with the probation officer. Violating probation conditions can result in arrest and additional charges. The probation department coordinates with the Department of Justice to keep the registry updated.
Megan's Law Search
California's Megan's Law website at meganslaw.ca.gov is the main tool for searching sex offenders. Enter a Los Angeles County address to see a map of registered individuals nearby. The map uses pins to mark each offender's location. Click on a pin to view the profile. Most profiles include a photo, physical description, and conviction details.
Each profile shows the tier level. Tier One offenders register for ten years. Tier Two offenders register for twenty years. Tier Three offenders register for life. Some profiles display full street addresses. Others only show a zip code or mark the person as undisclosed per court order. The amount of detail depends on the offender's tier and any legal restrictions.
The database updates daily based on reports from local agencies across the county. If someone just registered, the profile might not appear until the next day. Not all registered offenders are on the public site. Some are excluded by law. Certain juvenile offenders and misdemeanor cases do not get posted. If you cannot find someone, call the local police or sheriff to ask about that individual.
Registration Requirements
Initial registration must occur within five working days. This applies when you are released from jail or prison, when you move to Los Angeles County, or when you first become subject to registration. Five working days means business days only. Weekends and holidays do not count. If released on a Friday, you have until the following Friday to register.
Annual updates happen on your birthday. The law requires updating within five working days before or after that date. If your birthday is July 14, you can register anytime from July 9 to July 19. The local agency does not send reminders. You must track the date and appear on time. Missing the window is a violation that can lead to criminal charges.
Transients update every 30 days. You are classified as transient if you lack a permanent residence. This includes living in a vehicle, staying in a shelter, or moving between temporary locations. The local agency determines whether you are transient. If so, you must update every 30 days and report where you have been staying. This rule helps law enforcement track individuals who move around frequently.
Sexually violent predators update every 90 days regardless of housing status. This category includes individuals civilly committed as SVPs or those with certain convictions. The 90-day schedule is more frequent than the annual birthday update but less burdensome than the 30-day transient requirement. All timelines are set by Penal Code Section 290.012.
Tier System Details
California's tier system took effect in January 2021 under Senate Bill 384. It replaced lifetime registration for many offenders. Now duration depends on the tier. Tier One is ten years for adults and five years for juveniles. Tier Two is twenty years for adults and ten years for juveniles. Tier Three is lifetime with no early termination.
The tier is assigned at conviction based on the specific crime. Rape under Penal Code Section 261 is generally Tier Three. Lewd acts with a child under Penal Code Section 288 can be Tier Two or Tier Three. Indecent exposure might be Tier One. The statute sets the tier. Judges do not have discretion to change it.
After completing the minimum period, Tier One and Tier Two offenders can petition the court for removal from the registry. The petition goes to the court that handled your conviction. You may need legal help to file the paperwork. The court has 60 days to decide. If approved, you stop registering and your profile is removed from the public website. Tier Three offenders cannot petition unless they obtain a pardon or similar relief.
State and National Resources
The California Department of Justice oversees the statewide sex offender registry. Visit oag.ca.gov/sex-offender-reg for forms, FAQs, and policy updates. You can download an Application for Exclusion from Internet Disclosure if you qualify. The DOJ also publishes statistics on total registrants. Processing exclusion applications takes 30 to 90 days or longer.
For inmates in state custody, use the California Incarcerated Records and Information Search at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. Search by name or CDCR number to find current location, admission date, and parole hearing dates. This helps you know when someone will be released and required to register in Los Angeles County or elsewhere.
The National Sex Offender Public Website at nsopw.gov searches all state registries. Use it to check if someone has a registration history in another state before moving to California. The federal site is free and does not require a login. The U.S. Department of Justice runs the site.
Legal aid organizations in Los Angeles County can help with registration questions or petitions. Public Counsel, Bet Tzedek, and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serve the area. Call their intake lines to see if you qualify for free assistance. Private attorneys also handle sex offender registry cases. Expect to pay for a consultation and representation if you hire a lawyer.
Cities in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County includes many cities with populations over 100,000:
Los Angeles | Long Beach | Glendale | Santa Clarita | Lancaster | Palmdale | Pomona | Torrance | Pasadena | El Monte | Downey | Inglewood | West Covina
Each city has its own police department or uses the LA County Sheriff. Contact the local agency for registration details.
Nearby Counties
For sex offender information in surrounding counties, see:
Ventura County | Kern County | San Bernardino County | Orange County