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1. Can cities restrict where sex offenders live?

No. Federal and state courts have repeatedly struck down local ordinances that restrict where persons may live. The courts have found that the Constitution protects individual rights, including the individual rights of sex offenders who have served time in facilities.

2. How does Redmond Police Department notify people about offenders?

The Redmond Police Department informs people as soon as they know about registered level 2 and level 3 offenders. If a sex offender is being released from jail, the Police typically has 30 days advance notice if there is an intention to move here. 

However, if a registered sex offender moves from one location to another, then the police may have no notice at all. In the case of a level three offender, those living close by are notified. Police officers will attend community meetings if a neighborhood desires to talk specifics.

3. What does it mean to be a registered sex offender?

All sex offenders released from prison following conviction must register with the Sheriff's department in the county in which they choose to live. The Sheriff‘s Department then notifies the local jurisdiction. A registered sex offender is required to notify local law enforcement where they live within 24 hours of moving.

4. Besides registering, what else is a registered sex offender required to do?

Some have additional restrictions placed upon them as a condition of their release or probation. However, not all registered sex offenders have additional conditions beyond registering and meeting with their assigned probation officer.

5. How can we make sure children are safe?

Children are particularly vulnerable to sex offenders. Open communication between parents and children is vital to family safety. If a picture is available of the offender, show it to your family. In general terms, tell your children that this person has hurt someone before. Explain that they should stay away from this individual. Avoid scary details. 

Also, it is vital that parents:

• Know where their children are and who their friends are.
• Have a family password. If anyone approaches your children or contacts them, then have a secret password that you use to make sure that person is legitimate.
• Review safety rules regarding not letting people in the house, not giving away information on the phone or in person, what to say when someone calls or knocks on the door.
• Communicate with your child about what is going on in their lives.
• Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult if they are afraid.

6. Do offenders have restrictions on where they can live?

It depends on whether the offender is under supervision by the Department of Corrections/Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. If so, they have certain limitations or restrictions placed on them by the Department of Corrections or the sentencing court upon their release from incarceration.

 These may include: residency restrictions, not being around children, having a curfew, or not drinking alcohol or taking drugs. If they are found to be in violation of their restrictions, they may be sent back to jail or to prison. Offenders who have completed their time under supervision can live where they choose without restrictions.

7. What do I do if I see the offender doing something I think is suspicious?

Call local law enforcement or the sheriff's office and report it. It is best to let law enforcement handle the situation rather than taking it into your own hands. If you know an offender's specific restrictions and you witness a violation, call 911 or call the community corrections officer at the Department of Corrections.