State of Washington Sex Offender Policy Board Recommends Privatizing the Registry

December 13, 20168 years ago FAC Contributor #1 0 Comments min read

The State of Washington Office of Financial Management’s Sex Offender Policy Board has recommended exempting their sex offender registry from public disclosure.

Among the other recommendations in the 168 page report is the following:

“In December 2015, the SOPB issued a unanimous recommendation that sex offender registration information should be exempt from public disclosure (that RCW 4.24.550 is/should be an “other statute” under RCW 42.56). The SOPB adopted findings that this information has been held from public disclosure for decades, and this has proven to be in the best interests of the public, especially those who are victims of sexual assault. In addition, this information may enhance the safety of the community, and that of registered sex offenders – both in terms of facilitating offenders’ successful reintegration into the community and in terms of their physical safety.”

“…real consequences have come to light. The SOPB has heard from numerous Level 1 sex offenders, who have expressed concern over their employment, housing, and social relationships. Moreover, this information is now being published on various websites, potentially interfering with the successful reintegration of Level 1 offenders across the state. If their victims are family members (as is often the case with Level 1 offenders), this has the potential to reveal victims’ confidential information and negatively impact the victims’ lives. The SOPB strongly advises that this be rec onsidered in the 2017 session, and that legislation be enacted to exempt sex offender registration information from public disclosure.”

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