Surprise Sex Offender Registry
Surprise requires all sex offenders to register with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. You can search for sex offenders living in Surprise through online databases. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, and the sheriff tracks offenders who move into new developments. This page explains how to find sex offenders in Surprise and what resources are available.
Surprise Quick Facts
Surprise Sex Offender Registration
Sex offenders living in Surprise must register with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff handles all registration for Maricopa County. You cannot register at Surprise Police.
The county registration office is in downtown Phoenix at 111 S 3rd Avenue, 4th Floor. Surprise residents travel there for initial registration, annual check-ins, and address updates. The phone number is (602) 876-1070.
Surprise Police Criminal Investigations
The Surprise Police Department works with the sheriff on sex offender matters. The Criminal Investigations unit can be reached at 623-222-4048. They conduct compliance checks and respond to tips about violations.
The state registry at www.azdps.gov/services/public/offender provides statewide access to sex offender information. You can search for offenders in Surprise and across Arizona.
Searching Sex Offenders in Surprise
You can search for Surprise sex offenders through the Maricopa County OffenderWatch portal. Enter a Surprise address or zip code to see offenders nearby.
Results include photos, addresses, and offense information. The database updates as offenders register or change addresses. Check back periodically to stay informed about who lives in your area.
Note: Low-risk offenders may not appear in public searches based on state notification rules.
Surprise Sex Offender Requirements
Sex offenders in Surprise follow Arizona state law. Maricopa County enforces registration requirements.
Initial registration must happen within 10 days of conviction or release. People moving to Surprise have 72 hours to register. Annual registration occurs during your birth month with a $250 fee. Address changes require notice within 72 hours. Surprise is a growing city with many new developments. Moving into a new subdivision still requires registration updates.
Employment and education must be reported. If you start a new job, tell the sheriff within 72 hours. Same goes for enrolling in school or college. Internet identifiers like email addresses and social media accounts must also be disclosed during registration.
Community Notification in Surprise
Arizona classifies offenders by risk level. Level 3 is the highest risk. These offenders get active community notification. Police may post flyers or send alerts to residents near the offender's home. Level 2 offenders appear in public database searches. Level 1 offenders have limited public disclosure.
Surprise Police support neighborhood watch groups with information. When a high-risk offender moves into an area, police coordinate with HOAs and community groups. Schools receive direct notification about nearby offenders. Daycare centers and parks may also get alerts depending on the offense type.
Address Verification
Law enforcement verifies addresses regularly. Deputies visit homes to confirm offenders live where they claim. Surprise has many new housing developments, so addresses change often. Officers check both established neighborhoods and new construction areas.
Failing to update your address is a felony. The first violation can bring up to 2.5 years in prison. Repeat violations carry longer sentences. If you move within Surprise, even to a different apartment in the same complex, you must notify the sheriff within 72 hours.
Nearby Arizona Cities
Surprise borders Peoria, Goodyear, and Buckeye. All use the same county sheriff for registration.
Maricopa County Resources
Surprise is in Maricopa County. The county sheriff handles all sex offender registration.