There are thousands of sex offenders throughout King County, so while it is important to be aware of registered sex offenders in your neighborhood, it is also important to practice safety precautions at all times.  Sex Offenders are classified into one of three levels based upon the crime they were convicted of and their history:

Level 1

The vast majority of registered sex offenders are classified as Level 1 offenders. They are considered at low risk to re-offend. These individuals may be first time offenders and they usually know their victims.

Level 2

Level 2 offenders have a moderate risk of re-offending. They generally have more than one victim and the abuse may be long term. These offenders usually groom their victims and may use threats to commit their crimes. These crimes may be predatory with the offender using a position of trust to commit their crimes. Typically these individuals do not appreciate the damage they have done to their victims.

Level 3

Level 3 offenders are considered to have a high risk to re-offend. They usually have one or more victims and may have committed prior crimes of violence. They may not know their victim(s). The crime may show cruelty to the victim(s) and these offenders usually deny or minimize the crime. These offenders commonly have clear indications of a personality disorder.


Sex offenders have always lived in our communities, but it wasn't until the Community Protection Act of 1990 passed, which mandates sex offender registration, that law enforcement agencies even knew where they were living. In many cases, police departments are able to share that information with you. Abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate, or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated. Such abuse can potentially end law enforcement's ability to share the information. We believe the only people who win if information is not shared are sex offenders, since they derive power through secrecy. For your safety, we recommend you regularly check Level 2 or Level 3 Sex Offenders in the Redmond Community.

FAQ About Registered Sex Offenders

Can cities restrict where sex offenders live?

No. Federal and state courts have repeatedly struck down local ordinances that restrict where persons may live. The courts have found that the Constitution protects individual rights, including the individual rights of sex offenders who have served time in facilities.

How does Redmond PD notify people about offenders in their neighborhood?

The Redmond Police Department informs people as soon as they know about registered level 2 and level 3 offenders. If a sex offender is being released from jail, the Police typically has 30 days advance notice if there is an intention to move here. However, if a registered sex offender moves from one location to another, then the police may have no notice at all. In the case of a level three offender, the neighborhood, schools, churches, daycare centers and other places children gather are notified. Police officers will attend community meetings if a neighborhood desires to talk specifics.  

What does it mean to be a registered sex offender?

All sex offenders who are released from prison following conviction must register with the Sheriff's department in the county in which they choose to live. The Sheriff‘s Department then notifies the local jurisdiction. A registered sex offender is required to notify local law enforcement where they live within 24 hours of moving.

Besides registering, what else is a registered sex offender required to do?

Some registered sex offenders have additional restrictions placed upon them as a condition of their release or probation. However, not all registered sex offenders have additional conditions beyond registering and meeting with their assigned probation officer.

How can we make sure our children are safe?

Children are particularly vulnerable to sex offenders. Open communication between parents and children is vital to family safety. If a picture is available of the offender, show it to your family. In general terms, tell your children that this person has hurt someone before. Explain that they should stay away from this individual. Avoid scary details. Also, it is vital that parents:

• Know where your children are and who their friends are.
• Have a family password.
• Go over safety rules regarding not letting people in the house, not giving away information on the phone or in person.
• Communicate with your child about what is going on in their lives.
• Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult if they are afraid.

Do offenders have restrictions on where they can live?

It depends on whether the offender is under supervision by the Department of Corrections/Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. If offenders are under supervision they have certain limitations or restrictions placed on them by the Department of Corrections or the sentencing court upon their release from incarceration. These may include: residency restrictions, not being around children, having a curfew, or not drinking alcohol or taking drugs. If they are found to be in violation of their restrictions, they may be sent back to jail or to prison. Offenders who have completed their time under supervision can live where they choose without restrictions.

What do I do if I see the offender doing something I think is suspicious?

Call local law enforcement or the sheriff's office and report it. It is best to let law enforcement handle the situation rather than taking it into your own hands. If you know an offender's specific restrictions and you witness a violation, call 911 or call the community corrections officer at the Department of Corrections.

Signs of Sexual Interest in Children

Remember: Children are most often molested by someone they know or whom the parents know. Some things that may be signs of sexual interest in children are if an adult or child:

• Refuses to let a child set any of his or her own limits?
• Insists on hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling with or holding a child even when the child does not want affection?
• Is overly interested in the sexuality of a particular child or teen (e.g. talks repeatedly about the child's developing body or interferes with normal teen dating)?
• Manages to get time alone or insists on time alone with a child without interruptions?
• Encourages silence and secrets with a child?
• Spends most of his/her spare time with children and has little interest in spending time with someone their own age?
• Regularly offers to babysit many different children for free or takes children on overnight outings alone?
• Buys children expensive gifts or gives them money for no apparent reason?
• Allows children or teens to consistently get away with inappropriate behaviors?
• Talks again and again about the sexual activities of children or teens?

Warning Signs of Child Abuse

Any one sign does not mean that a child was abused. Some of the behaviors below can show up during stressful times in a child's life, as well as when abuse occurs. If you see several of these signs in a child you know well, please begin to ask questions.

• Nightmares, trouble sleeping, fear of the dark, or other sleeping problems.
• Extreme fear of "monsters".
• Spacing out at times.
• Loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing.
• Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, anger, or withdrawal.
• Fear of certain people or places. For example: a child may not want to be left alone with a baby-sitter, a friend, a relative, or some other child or adult; or a child who is usually talkative and cheery may become quiet and distant when around a certain person.
• Stomach illness all of the time with no identifiable reason.
• An older child behaving like a younger child, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
• Sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children / siblings to behave sexually.
• New words for private body parts.
• Refusing to talk about a "secret" he or she has with an adult or older child.
• Talking about a new older friend.
• Suddenly having money.
• Cutting or burning herself or himself as an adolescent.