Groton Sex Offender Registry Records
The Groton sex offender registry provides public access to information about convicted offenders living in this New London County town. With a population of approximately 37,743 residents, Groton maintains its own police department to handle registration and community notification. Local residents can access registry information through the Groton Police Department or the state DESPP online database. This page explains how to search for offender information in Groton and the surrounding area.
Groton Quick Facts
Groton Police Department Sex Offender Records
The Groton Police Department maintains records for all registered sex offenders living within town limits. Officers conduct regular address verification checks to ensure compliance with state registration laws. The department works closely with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to keep registry information current and accurate for the Groton community.
Groton residents can request sex offender registry information directly from the police department. The department handles these requests during normal business hours. Staff can help you search for offenders by name or address and explain the information shown in the registry entries.
| Department | Groton Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 528 Newtown Road Groton, CT 06340 |
| Main Number | (860) 441-6710 |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Fax | (860) 445-6066 |
| Website | groton-ct.gov/police |
The police department is located on Newtown Road in Groton. The facility serves both the Town of Groton and the City of Groton. Residents can visit during business hours to request registry information or ask questions about specific offenders. Staff can assist with understanding the data and provide guidance on using the online search system.
Searching Groton Sex Offender Records Online
The fastest way to search for sex offenders in Groton is through the state online registry. Connecticut uses the OffenderWatch platform to manage registry data and provide public access. This system is free to use and available 24 hours a day from any computer or mobile device.
To search online, visit the Connecticut registry portal at communitynotification.com. Enter a Groton address to see offenders within a chosen radius. You can also search by offender name or browse by city. Results show photos, physical descriptions, addresses, and conviction details for registrants.
The online system covers all of Connecticut, including Groton and nearby communities like New London, Stonington, and Ledyard. Offenders who live in different sections of Groton all appear in the same database. The system updates regularly to reflect address changes and new registrations as they occur.
You can also search the national registry at nsopw.gov. This website searches all 50 states simultaneously. It helps you find offenders who may have moved to Groton from another state or who have relocated to a different part of the country.
Connecticut Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Connecticut law requires convicted sex offenders to register with authorities after release from custody. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 969 establishes all registration rules. These laws apply equally to offenders living in Groton and every other Connecticut community.
Offenders must register within three days of release. They provide personal information including name, address, physical description, and conviction details. They also submit fingerprints, DNA samples, and any internet identifiers. The Groton Police Department collects this information and forwards it to DESPP in Middletown for statewide tracking.
Registration periods depend on the offense classification. First-time nonviolent offenders register for ten years. Sexually violent offenders and repeat offenders must register for life. The court determines which category applies based on the specific conviction and circumstances of the case.
Every 90 days, DESPP mails a nonforwardable verification form to each registrant. Offenders must sign and return the form within ten days. Groton police officers conduct compliance checks throughout the year. They visit registered addresses to confirm offenders live where they report living in the system.
Failure to register is a serious offense. Under CGS 54-257, it is a Class D felony punishable by prison time. Groton police actively investigate violations and work with state prosecutors to bring charges when offenders fail to comply with registration requirements.
Sex Offender Registry in New London County
Groton is located in New London County in southeastern Connecticut. The county includes cities like New London and Norwich alongside many smaller towns. State Police Troop E in Montville provides coverage for areas without local police departments, including parts of New London County.
New London County maintains comprehensive sex offender registry resources for all its communities. Groton, as one of the larger towns in the county, maintains its own dedicated police force to handle registration and monitoring. This allows for more frequent compliance checks and faster response to address changes.
Troop E Montville serves New London County communities that lack local police departments. Residents in these areas can access registry information at the troop barracks. Troop E also assists local departments with compliance checks and investigations involving offenders who cross jurisdictional boundaries. Visit the state police website for more information about Troop E coverage.
DESPP headquarters in Middletown coordinates all registry activities statewide. Their address is 1111 Country Club Road. You can reach them by phone at (860) 685-8060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.
Email Alerts for Groton Residents
The OffenderWatch system offers free email notifications for Groton residents. You can sign up to receive alerts when offenders move near your home, work, or your child's school. This service helps families stay informed about their neighborhoods and surrounding areas.
To register for alerts, visit the Connecticut registry website. Enter your email address and the Groton addresses you want to monitor. The system sends notifications when new offenders register within your selected radius. You can track multiple locations simultaneously with one email account.
Many Groton parents use this service to monitor areas near schools and parks. The town has numerous public and private schools throughout its neighborhoods. Email alerts give you time to take appropriate safety measures when someone new registers in your area.
Legal Rules for Using Registry Information
Connecticut law protects both the public and registrants from misuse of registry data. CGS 54-258a requires a prominent warning on all registry pages. Anyone using this information to harass, injure, or commit crimes against registrants faces criminal prosecution under state law.
DESPP posts this warning on every page of the registry website. They also note that they do not assess risk levels for individual offenders. Inclusion in the registry indicates only that a person was convicted of a qualifying offense. It does not mean they are currently dangerous to the community.
Registry information comes from the offenders themselves as required by law. Law enforcement may not verify all details before posting. Addresses can change between verification periods. Users should understand these limitations when viewing registry data about Groton residents.
Connecticut does not have residency restrictions for sex offenders. Unlike some states, Connecticut does not prohibit offenders from living near schools, parks, or playgrounds. Law enforcement officials note that such restrictions in other states have driven offenders underground and made monitoring more difficult for authorities.
Victim services are available for those affected by sexual offenses. The Connecticut Office of Victim Services provides support and information. Visit their website for resources and assistance if you or someone you know has been affected by these crimes.
New London County Sex Offender Registry
Groton is part of New London County, which maintains comprehensive sex offender registry resources for all its communities. The county includes both larger towns with dedicated police departments and smaller communities served by state police. For more information about registry access throughout New London County, visit the county page.