Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office Joins National OffenderWatch Network

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office has joined the nationwide OffenderWatch sex offender registry network, giving deputies new tools to collaborate with law enforcement agencies across the country while expanding public access to offender information.

Sheriff James A. Singleton said the system will allow deputies to more efficiently share information on registered sex offenders, reducing the time spent researching and entering data when offenders move between jurisdictions. The network also strengthens coordination with agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces.

As part of the program, Hempstead County residents can search for registered sex offenders in their area and sign up to receive free email alerts when an offender moves into their neighborhood through the sheriff’s website. The sheriff’s office is also offering the free OffenderWatch mobile app for Android and iPhone devices, allowing users to view nearby registered offenders, receive relocation alerts, and access online safety resources.

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, there are more than 900,000 registered sex offenders in the United States. Officials say the OffenderWatch network helps improve information sharing between agencies, enhancing investigations and public safety.

Residents can learn more and sign up for alerts through the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office OffenderWatch page.