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REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN WASHINGTON STATE This document was created to inform members of the public of basic information on registered sex offenders. It covers some frequently asked questions and provides resources for additional information. None of the information contained in this document should be considered legal advice. WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF SHERIFFS AND POLICE CHIEFS www.waspc.org I [PHONE REDACTED] What is a registered sex offender? Sex offenders are individuals who have committed a sex offense as defined in RCW 9A.44.128 and 9.94A.030 and are required to register as a sex offender. Washington state sex offender laws apply to juvenile as well as adult sex offenders. What do the levels mean? Sex offender levels are determined by taking into account several factors about the offender and the nature of his or her crime in order to determine possible risks to the general public. Adult and juvenile offenders are: Required to register with law enforcement when released to the community Assigned risk level classification for purposes of community notification by law enforcement Juvenile offenders are prohibited from enrolling in the same school as their victim or victim's siblings Offenders are classified as level I offenders if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate s/he is a low risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large. Level I offenders are not published on the Washington State Sex Offender Registry. However, out of compliance and transient level I offenders are published. For specific information on a level I offender contact local law enforcement. Please note: roughly 70% of Registered Sex Offenders are Level I offenders, and are not published on the public website. Offenders are classified as level II offenders if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate s/he is a moderate risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large. Level II offenders are published on the Washington State Sex offender Registry. Offenders are classified as level III offenders if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate s/he is a high risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large. Level III offenders are published on the Washington State Sex offender Registry. Do offenders have restrictions on where they can live? It depends on whether the offender is under supervision by the Department of Corrections or Department of Social and Health Services—Rehabilitation Administration. If offenders are under supervision they may have certain limitations or restrictions placed on them by the Department of Corrections or the sentencing court upon their release from incarceration. Some communities may have local ordinances relative to sex offender housing. Contact local law enforcement with specific questions regarding an offender. What if an offender is doing something suspicious? Call local law enforcement and report it. It is best to let law enforcement handle the situation rather than taking it into your own hands. You may send information on specific offenders directly to law enforcement by clicking the “submit a tip or correction for this offender” button in the Washington State Public Sex Offender Registry. Where to find additional information: Contact your local law enforcement agency Washington State Sex Offender Public Site http://sheriffalerts.com (search for offenders) http://sheriffalerts.com/cap_safety_1.php? office=54528 (safety tips/things to know) Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs http://www.waspc.org/sex-offender-information National Sex Offender Public Website (search for offenders)