Find Sex Offenders in Morgan County
Morgan County sex offender registration is handled by the Sheriff's Office in Decatur. This North Alabama county has over 125,000 residents. The sheriff maintains a dedicated Sex Offender Compliance team and feeds all data into the statewide ALEA database.
Morgan County Quick Facts
Morgan County Sheriff's Office
The Morgan County Sheriff handles all sex offender registration for the county. Offenders must register in person at the sheriff's office. They bring a photo ID and pay the $10 quarterly fee. The sheriff takes their photo and fingerprints, then updates the state database. Staff can answer questions about who must register and what the rules are.
Morgan County has a dedicated Sex Offender Compliance team that conducts monthly compliance checks. The team visits offenders at their homes to verify they live where they say they do. The sheriff also offers the "MCSO Now" mobile app for residents to stay informed about local crime and safety issues.
Decatur sits on the Tennessee River and draws both residents and visitors for recreation. The sheriff's office coordinates with state systems to track all registered sex offenders in the area. They provide a detailed page on their website about the registration and notification process.
| Address | 119 Lee Street NE Decatur, AL 35601 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 351-4800 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 8AM-4:30PM; Fri 8AM-12PM |
| Mobile App | MCSO Now |
| Website | morgancountysheriffal.gov |
How to Search Morgan County Sex Offenders
You can search for sex offenders in Morgan County through several methods. The state database is the most complete option. It has every registered offender in the county. Local searches through the sheriff's website may show extra details. Both methods are free to use.
The ALEA Community Information Center at app.alea.gov/community is the main search tool. Click the Sex Offender link, then search by name or address. You can filter results to show only Morgan County. The site displays a map with pins for each offender. Click any pin to see the full profile with photo, address, and offense details.
To search sex offenders in Morgan County, you can use:
- Name of the offender
- Street address or city
- ZIP code
- Map view to browse visually
You can also call the Morgan County Sheriff at (256) 351-4800. Staff can check if someone is on the registry. They can tell you how many offenders live in a certain area. For written records, send a request to the sheriff's office or use their website contact form.
Registration Requirements in Morgan County
Sex offenders in Morgan County must follow strict rules set by Alabama law. Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-10 requires quarterly in-person verification. This means four visits per year. Offenders must come in during their birth month and every three months after that. Missing a check-in is a felony.
Each visit costs $10. The sheriff collects this fee and uses it to fund the registry program. Offenders who cannot pay may ask for a waiver by showing proof of low income. At each visit, the sheriff checks the offender's address, job, and vehicle info. They take a new photo and update fingerprints if needed.
Offenders who move into Morgan County have three days to register. This applies to people moving from other Alabama counties or from out of state. They must also notify the sheriff within three days if they change jobs or get a new car. These deadlines come from Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-22.
What Morgan County Records Show
Sex offender records in Morgan County include detailed info about each person on the registry. Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-8 lists what the public can see. The goal is to help residents know who lives in their area and what crimes they committed.
Each sex offender listing in Morgan County shows:
- Full name and any aliases
- Date of birth
- Current photo
- Home address
- Work address and employer
- Physical description and marks
- Vehicle information
- Sex offense history with dates
Some info is kept private. Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and victim details are not shown to the public. The sheriff has this data but does not post it online. If you need more details about an offender, contact the sheriff's office directly.
Residency Rules in Morgan County
Sex offenders in Morgan County cannot live near schools or childcare centers. Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-11 sets a 2,000-foot buffer zone. This is about four-tenths of a mile. The rule applies to any place that regularly serves children.
Decatur and other Morgan County cities may have extra local rules. Some ban offenders from parks, libraries, or bus stops near schools. Check with local government to see what extra limits apply in your area. The sheriff's office can also tell you if a specific address is allowed.
If you are concerned about an offender living too close to a school in Decatur, Hartselle, or elsewhere in Morgan County, report it to the sheriff. They will check the address and take action if it violates the law.
Community Notification in Morgan County
When a sex offender moves into Morgan County, the sheriff notifies the community. Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-21 requires notice to homes within 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Schools within three miles also get told. This happens within days of the offender registering.
Morgan County sends postcard notifications to addresses within the required distance of each offender. You can also sign up for email alerts through OffenderWatch. Go to the state search site and enter your address. You will get an email whenever an offender moves into or out of your area. This is a free service.
The sheriff may also post flyers or hold community meetings for high-risk offenders. These extra steps are at the sheriff's discretion. If you want more info about a specific offender, call the sheriff's office at (256) 351-4800.
Report a Violation in Morgan County
If you think a sex offender in Morgan County is breaking the rules, report it. Common violations include living at the wrong address, failing to check in, or being near a school. Code of Alabama Section 15-20A-37 makes these acts a Class C felony with one to ten years in prison.
To report a violation, call the Morgan County Sheriff at (256) 351-4800. You can also use the tip form on OffenderWatch or contact ALEA directly. Give as much detail as you can. Include the offender's name, what rule they broke, and when it happened. Tips from the public help catch offenders who try to hide.
The Sex Offender Compliance team does monthly checks on all registered offenders. Deputies visit offenders at home to make sure they live where they say they do. They also check work addresses and look for unreported vehicles. If you see something that does not match what is in the registry, let the sheriff know.
Tennessee River Recreation
Morgan County sits along the Tennessee River and attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities. The Singing River Trail and Wheeler Lake draw families from across the region. Parents should know that the registry can help them check who lives near recreational areas before visiting.
The 2,000-foot school rule still applies to homes near the river and public areas. If you rent property in Morgan County for recreation, you may want to check the registry for nearby offenders before booking.
Cities in Morgan County
Morgan County has multiple cities and towns. All sex offenders in these areas register with the Morgan County Sheriff. The county seat is Decatur. Click below to see city-specific info.
Other communities in Morgan County include Hartselle, Priceville, Trinity, and Falkville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Morgan County. If you live near the county line, make sure you register with the right sheriff. Sex offenders must register in the county where they actually live.