Registration Information

The Washington State Registered Sex Offender Law began in 1990. The law was later amended to include kidnapping offenders in the registration program (1997). In accordance with the law, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department is required to maintain the registration information for the convicted offenders living in the entire Douglas County area. This includes those offenders living in the incorporated cities within Douglas County.

Kidnapping Offender Registration Law

The Sex/Kidnapping Offender Registration Law allows the Douglas County Sheriff's Department to register and track convicted offenders. However, the law does not allow the Sheriff's Department to dictate where the offender lives. The State Department of Corrections does have limited authority to restrict living choices for offenders who are still on probation or parole for their crime(s). The Registration Law is a useful tool for law enforcement officials and the community. It allows us to gather and maintain information on convicted sex/kidnapping criminals living in our communities. Again it is a tool, and not a source to create fear or hatred within the community.

Site's Purpose

This site is not meant to violate anyone's privacy or livelihood. It is a tool to inform the public and provide information as allowed by State Law. Please do not misuse or abuse the information we have provided on this Internet site.

Evaluation

When an offender is released from custody and placed back to the community, the Washington State Department of Corrections Community Protection Unit evaluates the offender. They determine the risk classification level for the offender. This evaluation is based on a complex scoring and review process. Community safety is a primary factor in the process.

Classification Levels

The classification levels basically have the following meanings

Level 1 Classification

These offenders present the lowest possible risk to the community and their likelihood to re-offend is considered minimal. They normally have not exhibited predatory type characteristics and most have successfully participated or are participating in approved treatment programs. Many are first-time offenders.

Level 2 Classification

These offenders present a moderate risk to the community and they have a higher likelihood of re-offending than the Level 1 offenders. They are considered a higher risk to re-offend, because of the nature of their previous crime(s) and lifestyle (drug and alcohol abuse and other criminal activity). Some have refused to participate or failed to complete approved treatment programs.

Level 3 Classification

These offenders pose a potential high risk to the community and are a threat to re-offend if provided the opportunity. Most have prior sex crime convictions as well as other criminal convictions. Their lifestyles and choices place them in this classification. Some have predatory characteristics and may seek out victims. They may have refused or failed to complete approved treatment programs.

Laws Related to Registered Sex Offenders

Washington State's Sex Offender / Kidnapping Offender Registration program was one of the original programs in the nation and is often used as a model by other states. Most laws pertaining to the program may be found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Authority for local law enforcement agencies can be found in RCW 9A.44.130. Information and laws related to the disclosure of information can be found in RCW 4.24.550. Obtaining information about Registered Sex Offenders The information we are able to release on a given sex offender is dependant on the Level they are rated.

Level 1 Offenders

Information pertaining to Level 1 Offenders will be shared with other law enforcement agencies and upon request may be shared with community members who live in close proximity to the offender. The law does not allow us to publicly distribute information regarding Level 1 Offenders.

Level 2 Offenders

Information pertaining to Level 2 Offenders will be shared with other law enforcement agencies and will be distributed to school districts, daycare centers, and those community members living near the offender. Information regarding Level 2 Offender's who are registered with our office is available on this website. Information regarding Level 2 Offenders living outside Douglas County is available at the State Sex Offender Information website maintained by the Washington Sheriff's and Police Chief's Association

Level 3 Offenders

Information pertaining to Level 3 Offenders will be shared with other law enforcement agencies and will be distributed to school districts, daycare centers, community members living near the offender, the media, and is available on this website. Information regarding Level 3 Offenders living outside Douglas County is available at the State Sex Offender Information website maintained by the Washington Sheriff's and Police Chief's Association