Convicted sex offenders living in Texas are required to register with local law enforcement agencies. Those living within San Antonio city limits are required to register with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD).
The Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offenders offers a free search to find registered sex offenders in a particular area.
Sex Offender Park Safety Zones
What is the Park Safety Zone Ordinance?
City Code of San Antonio, Texas, Chapter 22 Art. XI Sec. 22-162-167, effective March 1, 2014 prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 1000 feet of a city park and prohibits a registered sex offender from entering or loitering within 300 feet of a city park.
Where do I apply for an exemption?
At the Sex Offender Registration Office at 442 9th Street. The office is open by appointment 7:45 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday (Except City holidays). The Registrant must personally appear and present valid identification. The application can be completed there or picked up and brought back at a later time. DO NOT go to the Public Safety Headquarters Building or Police Substations. The applications can only be obtained or approved at the Sex Offender Registration Office.
What is the park safety zone exemption process?
After the application is submitted, it is forwarded to the Office of the Chief. The application and Registrant’s case file will be reviewed, and the Chief’s decision is final. The Registrant will be notified of the Chief’s decision. This process may take several weeks. If the exemption is approved, the Registrant will obtain the exemption at the Sex Offender Registration Office.
What is taken into consideration during the exemption application process?
The Chief may take into consideration:
- the reason for registration
- offense committed that resulted in the conviction
- date of conviction(s)
- age of victim(s) at time of offense
- sex of victim(s)
- offender’s relationship to victim(s)
- length of time between conviction and request
- pending investigations
- length and duration of the requested exemption
- location of the park where the exemption is being requested
- any other factor that the Chief considers appropriate
NOTE: If a registrant is currently on probation or parole, or he or she has not completed his or her sentence, the application will automatically be denied. The Registrant may apply again after completing his or her probation or parole.
Exemption Application Forms
Park Safety Zone Exemptions
To request an exemption from these requirements, you may apply through SAPD at the Sex Offender Registration Office.
NOTE: If you are currently on probation or parole, your sentence is not completed, and your exemption application will automatically be denied. You may apply again after completing probation or parole.
Park Safety Exemption Process
NOTE: This process may take several weeks.