CLALLAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE   

FAQ    -  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  How are Sex/kidnap offenders tracked?

A:  Sex/kidnap offenders convicted of qualifying crimes must register with the county Sheriff’s Office where an offender resides.  The Clallam County Sheriff's Office uses a software program called Offender Watch to track registered Sex/kidnap offenders in Clallam County. 

Q:  Where can I find information on registered Sex/kidnap offenders in Washington State?

A:  Information is available on the following websites:

          www.clallamsheriff.org

          www.sheriffalerts.com

          http://ml.waspc.org/

Q:  Are all registered Sex/kidnap offenders on the county website? 

A:  No.  The law only allows Level II, Level III, Homeless, and Level 1 noncompliant registered Sex offenders and Kidnap offenders to be posted for public view.  Noncompliant means the offender has not kept the Sheriff’s Office appraised of their current residential address, and at this time law enforcement does not know where the offender is residing.  If a member of the public has differing information from that on the website, they should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Q:  What do the different Levels mean?

A:     -   Level I offenders are considered a low risk to re-offend.  Most offenders are in this category.  No 
        community notification is done and information is not available on the Sheriff’s web page or the state
        Sex/kidnap offender registry web page.     

-          Level II offenders are considered a moderate risk to re-offend.  The offender will be found on the county and state websites.

-          Level III offenders are considered a high risk to re-offend.  The offender will be found on the county and state websites, and mailings will be done to homes in the immediate neighborhood.

Q:  Do Sex/kidnap offenders have to register forever?

A:  Not necessarily.  Some convictions allow an offender to be ‘relieved of their duty to register’ after a specific amount of years depending on their conviction.  Some convictions require an offender to petition the court for relief of duty.

Q:  Are juveniles required to register if convicted of a Sex/kidnap offense?

A:  Yes.  Juveniles and adults must register for the same crimes.

Q:  Can the Sheriff’s Office move a Sex/kidnap offender out of my neighborhood?

A:  No.  The Sheriff's Office cannot place any restrictions on where an offender lives in any community, nor does the Sheriff’s Office have any authority in forcing an offender to move from one location to another.  While you may not be happy about an offender living in your area it is important to realize that at least you are aware of this offender.  There are individuals who have never been caught and continue to offend in your community.  The best defense you can have is being educated in how to protect yourself and your family members from being victimized by anyone.

Q:  How can I be notified of an offender moving into my neighborhood? 

A:  -   If you have a U.S. Post Office residential mailing address, you will receive notification by mail if 
         a Level 3  offender moves into your neighborhood.  Sorry, post office box addresses are not
         accommodated by the program.

    -          Citizens of Clallam County can register for email alerts through the Offender Watch website at
         www.sheriffalerts.com, or at the same site accessible through the Sheriff’s Office website
         www.clallamsheriff.org and follow the link for Sex/kidnap offenders

Q:  Am I notified if an offender moves out of my neighborhood?

A:  No.  The Sheriff’s Office does not notify when an offender moves away from a location.  Many offenders move on a regular basis. 

Q:  What do I tell my children about an offender?

A:  The Offender Watch website has some excellent educational bulletins about Sex/kidnap offenders.  We encourage you to visit www.sheriffalerts.com and follow the link for Safety Tips.  Some basic do’s and don’ts include:

·            Don’t accept a ride from an offender or stranger

·            Don’t go into the home or yard of an offender or stranger

·            Do tell your parents if this person offers you toys, money or gifts

·            Do play with others and in groups when you can

·            Do call 911 if your parents are not home and you are approached by an offender

Q:  Now that I know a Sex/kidnap offender lives in my neighborhood, what should I do differently to protect my family and myself?

A:  Whether or not a Sex/kidnap offender lives in your neighborhood you should educate yourself and your family in safety concerns.  This is a time to reinforce family safety planning and specific concerns about this offender.  Please visit the website www.sheriffalerts.com and follow the link for Safety Tips.

Q:  Is there a place I can view the sex offender/kidnapping law?

A:  One website available is http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw.  The specific RCW (Revised Code of Washington) is 9A.44.130 Registration of Sex offenders and kidnapping offenders -- Procedures -- Definition -- Penalties.

Q:  Why do some Sex/kidnap offenders not have conditions?

A:  Offenders are only bound by conditions of supervision while they are on active supervision by the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, or county probation department.  After completing active supervision, the offender's only requirement is that of continuing to register as a Sex/kidnap offender as required by law.

Q:  Can a registered Sex offender baby-sit my children?

A.  As of March 2002, the crime of Leaving a Child in the Care of a Sex offender was enacted.  To see the actual law, visit the following website:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw and follow the link for RCW 9A.42.110 Leaving a child in the care of a Sex offender.