Search Shelby County Sex Offenders

Shelby County sex offender records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Columbiana. The county has over 200 registered offenders who must check in quarterly at the sheriff's office.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office handles sex offender registration for all of Shelby County. This is one of Alabama's fastest growing counties. The office is located in Columbiana, the county seat. Offenders must come here in person to register and verify their info four times a year. The $10 fee is due at each visit.

Shelby County has a useful online Pre-Check-In system. Offenders can fill out some forms online before their visit. This makes the in-person check faster for everyone. The sheriff's office also does address verification to make sure offenders actually live where they claim. Deputies do spot checks throughout the year.

How to Search Shelby County Sex Offenders

There are two main ways to search for sex offenders in Shelby County. The county uses iCrimeWatch, which is part of the OffenderWatch system. You can also use the statewide ALEA database. Both are free and open to the public. No account is needed to search.

Go to iCrimeWatch to search the Shelby County list directly. Enter a name or address to find matches. The site shows each offender's photo, home address, and offense details. You can also view a map of all offenders in the county.

For a broader search, use the ALEA Community Information Center at app.alea.gov/community. This covers all 67 Alabama counties. You can filter by Shelby County or search statewide. The database updates daily as offenders check in or move.

When you search, you can use:

• Offender name (first, last, or both)
• Street address or ZIP code
• City name within the county
• Map view to see pins for each offender

If you cannot find someone online, call the sheriff at (205) 669-4181. Staff can check the registry and tell you if someone is registered in the county. They can also help if you have concerns about an offender in your area.

Registration Rules for Shelby County Offenders

Alabama has strict rules for sex offender registration. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-10 requires quarterly check-ins. This means four visits a year. Offenders come in during their birth month, then every three months. Miss a check-in and it is a felony.

At each visit, the sheriff updates the offender's file. They take a new photo. They check the person's address, job, and vehicles. Any changes must be reported. The fee is $10 per visit. Offenders who truly cannot afford this can request a waiver. They must show proof of hardship to qualify.

New residents have three days to register. If you move into Shelby County from another place in Alabama, you have three business days to go to the sheriff's office. The same applies if you move from out of state. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-22 sets these deadlines. You must also report within three days if you get a new job or car.

What Shelby County Records Show

Sex offender records in Shelby County include a lot of details. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-8 spells out what the public can see. The goal is community awareness. People should know who lives near them and what crimes they committed.

Each listing shows:

• Full name and any aliases used
• Date of birth and age
• Current photograph
• Home address in Shelby County
• Work address and employer name
• Physical description with height, weight, and eye color
• Scars, tattoos, or other marks
• Vehicle details including plate number
• The sex offense they were convicted of
• Date of conviction and release

Not all info is public. Social Security numbers stay private. Victim names are never shown. Phone numbers and emails are kept from the public site. The sheriff has this info but does not share it online. If you need more detail, you can request records from the sheriff's office.

Where Offenders Can Live in Shelby County

Sex offenders face residency limits in Shelby County. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-11 bans them from living within 2,000 feet of schools or childcare facilities. That is about four-tenths of a mile. The rule covers any place that regularly has children.

Shelby County is growing fast. New schools open often. This can force offenders to move if a school is built near their home. The sheriff's office tracks these zones. If you wonder whether an address is legal for an offender, ask them. They can check the location against the 2,000-foot rule.

Cities in Shelby County may add their own rules. Hoover straddles the Jefferson-Shelby line, and some parts fall under Shelby County. Check local ordinances to see if parks, libraries, or other spots are off-limits. The sheriff enforces state law. Local police handle city rules.

Community Notification in Shelby County

When a sex offender moves into Shelby County, the sheriff must notify neighbors. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-21 says notices go to homes within 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Schools within three miles also get told. This happens shortly after the offender registers.

You can sign up for email alerts on OffenderWatch. Go to the search site and enter your address. You will get a notice whenever an offender moves into or out of your area. The service is free and covers all of Alabama. Many Shelby County parents use it to stay informed about their neighborhood.

For high-risk cases, the sheriff may do more. This could mean flyers, door-to-door visits, or community meetings. If you want more info about a specific offender, call (205) 669-4181. The staff can tell you what they are allowed to share under the law.

Report a Violation in Shelby County

If you think a sex offender in Shelby County is breaking the rules, tell the sheriff. Common problems include wrong addresses, missed check-ins, and being too close to schools. Code of Alabama § 15-20A-37 makes violations a Class C felony. That means one to ten years in prison if convicted.

Call (205) 669-4181 to report. Give the offender's name, the rule you think they broke, and any details you have. Include dates and times if you can. You can also file a tip on OffenderWatch or contact ALEA at 334-676-7250.

The sheriff does compliance checks on a regular basis. Deputies visit offenders at home and work to confirm they live where they say. They also look for vehicles that are not in the registry. If the info does not match, they investigate. Public tips help fill in what deputies might miss.

Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County has many cities and towns, but all sex offenders register with the county sheriff. The county seat is Columbiana. Part of Hoover is in Shelby County, while other sections fall under Jefferson County. Offenders must register in the county where they actually live.

Other Shelby County cities include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Montevallo, Calera, Chelsea, Columbiana, and Inverness. All offenders in these places register at the sheriff's office on McDow Road.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with Shelby County. If you live near the county line, make sure you register with the correct sheriff. Registration must happen in the county where you reside.