The Austin Police Department's Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (SOAR) Unit is taking significant steps to bolster public safety through diligent monitoring of registered sex offenders. By ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with legal requirements, the SOAR Unit plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the sex offender registry and safeguarding the Austin community.

Since January 1, 2024, the SOAR Unit has proactively conducted residence verifications and follow-up investigations to confirm that offenders are meeting their registration obligations. These efforts underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting the residents of Austin.

“In our ongoing mission to enhance community safety, we emphasize accountability among registered sex offenders. The success of our efforts is a direct result of the dedication and teamwork of our SOAR personnel. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure that registered offenders are held accountable and compliant with their legal obligations. Their commitment, along with the invaluable support from the community, plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety and protecting Austin’s community members," said Sergeant Meson Woo, APD SOAR Unit.

Key Achievements of the SOAR Unit:

• Residence Verifications: Conducted checks on the residences of over 950 registered sex offenders since January 1, 2024.
• Non-Compliance Identified: Detected 206 potential cases of non-compliance.
• Warrants Issued: Issued 54 warrants for offenders who failed to comply with registration requirements.
• Arrests Made: Successfully executed 20 arrest warrants resulting from compliance checks.

The Austin Police Department remains dedicated in its commitment to fostering a safe environment for all community members. The ongoing efforts of the SOAR Unit reflect a broader mission to uphold the law and protect the community from potential harm.

If you have information regarding a registered sex offender who may not be reporting accurately, please contact the Austin Police Department SOAR Unit at (512) 974-6280 or via email at SexOffenderUnit@austintexas.gov.