BEDFORD — The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is running one of the strictest sex and violent offender programs in the state, according to Sheriff Greg Day, who updated the commissioners on the department’s enforcement efforts Tuesday morning. Day emphasized the importance of a “tight ship” to ensure compliance with registration laws designed to protect the community.
“Currently, there are 140 offenders residing in Lawrence County,” Day said. “About half of the offenders must register or update their information every 90 days. Failure to comply with registration requirements is a felony offense.”
Under Indiana law, individuals convicted of certain crimes—including sex offenses, murder, and voluntary manslaughter—must register with local law enforcement. Registration can be for a period of 10 years or for life, with lifetime registration typically reserved for offenders convicted of crimes against victims under 12 or those classified as a sexually violent predator.
All registrants are required to provide their personal details, including address, employment, and school information. They are subject to mandatory in-person re-registration and photographing, which can occur annually or, for predators, every 90 days. “Some must contact us every 7 days if they are homeless or living in temporary housing,” Day explained.
The Sheriff’s Office actively monitors these individuals and takes a firm stance on non-compliance. “We run a tight ship and have filed several violations when needed,” Day said.
For public safety and awareness, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office offers a free mobile application, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app enables residents to access the public Sex & Violent Offender Registry, submit tips, and receive updates on public safety and weather conditions.
Key Registration Requirements:
- Who Must Register: Individuals convicted of offenses like sex offenses, murder, voluntary manslaughter, and official misconduct.
- Duration: Registration can last for 10 years or for life, depending on the nature of the crime.
- Reporting: Registrants must provide personal information and report any changes to their address, employment, or school within 72 hours.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to register or providing false information is a felony, which can lead to a prison sentence and fines.
