390 likes | 643 Views
Bothell Police Department. Sex Offender Community Information. Detective Dione Thompson. Agenda. The history of the Registration Law Sex Offender Levels Statistics on Sex Offenders Family and Personal Safety Plans Children’s Response Center Specific Sex Offender Question and Answer.
E N D
Bothell Police Department Sex Offender Community Information Detective Dione Thompson
Agenda • The history of the Registration Law • Sex Offender Levels • Statistics on Sex Offenders • Family and Personal Safety Plans • Children’s Response Center • Specific Sex Offender • Question and Answer
Washington State Laws 1989 Helen Harlow’s Son Convicted Sex Offender- Earl Shriner Considered Dangerous to Public assaulted and sexually mutilated 7 year old boy 1988 Diane Ballasiotes Pioneer Square Rape and Murder Convicted Sex Offender on Work Release Governor’s (Booth Gardner) Task Force
Community Protection ActFebruary 28, 1990 • Registration of Sex Offenders • Civil Commitment (Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island) • Victim Services • Community Notification
Our Challenge To be responsible in enforcing the Community Protection Act in order to protect the citizens and protect the Community Protection Act itself.
RCW 9A.44.130 • Registration of Sex/Kidnapping Offenders
Legal Setback 1993 Local Municipality Abused Community Notification Ward vs. State must consider risk
Jacob Wetterling Act Jacob Wetterling 1989 St. Joseph, Minnesota Jacob was 11 years old on a bike ride with his brother and a friend Last seen being grabbed by masked gunman 1994 Federal Statute -Sex Offender Registration -Limited Notification
Megan’s Law Megan Kanka 1994 Hamilton, New Jersey Went for a bicycle ride and never returned. Jesse Timmendequass (convicted sex offender) living nearby admitted to luring, raping and killing Megan. May 1996 federal statute -Requires all states to have community notification on high risk offenders.
Pam Lychner Act Pam Lychner Real estate agent in Houston. She was attacked and assaulted by a convicted felon while showing a house to a potential buyer. Sex Offender Tracking and Identification Act - Mandated FBI to establish a national sex offender registry by 2000
Who has to Register? Convicted of Sex/Kidnapping Offense • In this state • In another state • In Federal Court • Juveniles and Adults • Those who lack a fixed residence
Community Notification • Level 3 Offenders • Level 2 Offenders • Level 1 Offenders • Homeless Offenders
Sex Offender Risk Levels Sex Offender Scoring Tool (SOST) Police Reports Presentence Psychological Criminal History Court Files
Risk Levels • Level One- Most rated, no violent history, usually know their victims. • Level Two- Risk to reoffend, multiple victims, grooming of victims, predatory or position of trust. • Level Three- High risk to reoffend, multiple victims, may use violence and/or weapons, may or may not know their victims.
General Statistics King County 3892 Level 1 2917 Level 2 587 Level 3 388
Bothell City Limits Level 1 31 Level 2 7 Level 3 4 Total 42
There are over 18,000 sex offenders registered in the state of Washington There are about 2000 sex offenders who are in violation of the registration laws. Their location is unknown.
Prevention and Safety Planning Rebecca Milliman, MSW Children’s Response Center 1120 112th Ave NE Suite 130 Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 467-3386
Parents and Children • Open communication • Teach how and when to say NO • Teach correct anatomical names • Talk about safe and unsafe touching • Identify a safety plan and safe people • Listen and believe! • Know with whom your child spends time • Talk with other parents • Check references for babysitters and child care providers • Drop in visits
Parents and Teens • Communication • Maintain open doors • Identify other safe people to talk with • Talk about dating safety • What are respectful relationships? • What should your teen expect from others? • Find ways to stay involved & informed! • You’re still the parent…..
Kids & the Internet • Develop and discuss rules of access • Locate Internet in public area of home • Discuss the importance of: • Why personal information should not be given out • (teens) Set limits of meeting online “friends” in person • What to do if someone is asking for personal information • What to do if something or someone makes them feel uncomfortable • Monitor chat room use • Educate yourself to be more Internet savvy!
Adults • Be aware of your surroundings • Do not allow strangers in your home • Verify ID of anyone, including service people and police officers • Phone 911 if suspicious • Protect your personal boundaries • Trust your instincts! • That little voice is usually right
Grooming • How offenders gain access to their victims • Obtains immediate insider status • Exceptionally charming • Extremely helpful • Gains trust from adults • Creates ‘special’ relationship with a child • Engages in peer-like play with children • Creates opportunities to be alone with children • Fails to honor clear boundaries set by adults or children • Is defensive or secretive
Resources Children’s Response Center (425) 467-3386 Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress (206) 521-1800 King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 1800-825-7273 Child Protective Services 1800-609-8764 or 1800-562-5624
Can’t tell by looking They’re everywhere These are just the known offenders Doesn’t include those convicted prior to the law going into effect Doesn’t include those who have yet to be caught Doesn’t include those convicted and still incarcerated
www.kingcounty.gov/sheriff • Level two • Level three • All King County Agencies • Levels determined by police agency of jurisdiction.
www.waspc.org • Level two • Level three • All Washington registered sex offenders as reported by WSP. • Levels determined by police agency of jurisdiction.
Access Washington www.access.wa.gov • Legislature • Statutes / RCW’s • Upcoming Legislation • Washington State Patrol
FAQ? • “Why aren’t these people locked up for good?” • In 1996, the legislature increased sentences for major sex offenses with passing the “2 strikes law”, which imposed a life sentence for a second sex offense. • Because of problems with the 2 strikes law, in 2001 the legislature passed yet another law. This allowed for indeterminate sentences for those offenders convicted after September 1, 2001. This means that an offender can be kept behind bars for as long as he poses a danger to the community.
Sex Offender • There will always be sex offenders in King County • There will always be sex offenders in your neighborhood • Sex offenders come in all races, ages, and sexes • The largest majority of sex offenses occur in the home • Stranger assaults are rare • Education and knowledge are our strengths
For More Information… King County Sheriff’s Office Kingcounty.gov Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Snoco.org Bothell Police Department Detective Dione Thompson 425-487-5142