Registered Homeless Sex Offender Numbers Increase in Lubbock

"For us, it actually is a little high, normally we don't see a number that high on a routine basis," said Sargent Jonathan Stewart with LPD.  Officials at LPD said normally, there are about five or six homeless people registered as sex offenders, but this year is different.  "We do have a fairly large homeless population so it's one of those things, but like I said I don't really have an explanation. Normally it's not that high, we're just seeing a spike for a little while, maybe and hopefully something that will change quickly," said Stewart.

Homeless sex offenders are still required to register with police.  "Even when registering as homeless, they do have to give a location where they will be staying -- of course they may not have a street address to give us, but they do have to give us a location they will be at so we can check," said Stewart.  They are also expected to update police with any location changes, just like sex offenders with a permanent physical address. "Homeless people are required to check in more often than those who can provide us a physical address in most cases," said Stewart.

LPD is also asking for help in finding one sex offender.  Israel Parker is wanted by police for failing to register as a sex offender.  He is 22 years old, 5'09'', 145 lbs., and has brown hair and eyes.  Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (806)741-1000. 

LPD also keeps an up to date record of sex offenders in the area.  If you want to see if there are any registered in your area or neighborhood, click here to visit LPD's site, or you can also check with Department of Public Safety here.