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Hello! I am frequently asked questions about sex offenders living in Cass County and about the sex offender notification process. This month I would like to update you about what the sex offender notification process entails and what the Cass County Sheriff's Office is doing to notify you and help keep you and your family safe.

Since 1991, all felony level sex offenders in Minnesota have been required to register their home address with local law enforcement in accordance with Minnesota statute 243.166. Additionally, the Minnesota Legislature passed a Community Notification Act in 1996, charging local law enforcement with the responsibility of informing the public about sex offenders living in their community. The legislature found that, "...if members of the public are provided adequate notice and information about a sex offender who has been or is about to be released from custody and who lives or will live in or near their neighborhood, the community can develop constructive plans to prepare themselves and their children for the offender's release."

Neither the registration nor the notification laws are retroactive, meaning any sex offender convicted before 1991 is not required to register their home address. Any sex offender released from prison before 1997 is not subject to community notification.

In Minnesota, 90 days prior to being released from prison, a sex offender is assigned a Re-offense Risk Level. This Risk Level is determined by the End of Confinement Review Committee (ECRC), a group of psychologists, criminal justice professionals, and victim advocates. The Risk Level assigned ultimately determines the scope of community notification.

A sex offender may be assigned a Risk Level of I, II, or III. An offender found to be a Risk Level I is considered the LEAST likely to re-offend and only local law enforcement and victims or witnesses are notified of the offenders release or relocation.

An offender found to be a Risk Level II is thought to pose a MODERATE risk of re-offense. In this case, local law enforcement, may notify victims and witnesses of the offenders' release or relocation, as well as any groups that may serve a population at risk of victimization that are located near the offenders' home.

An offender determined to be the MOST likely to re-offend is assigned a Risk Level III. In this case, local law enforcement, victims or witnesses, and any agencies that serve a population at risk of victimization may be notified, as well as the general public. Community Notification to the general public may take place in the form of a community meeting.[[In-content Ad]]

I am often asked why is this offender being placed in my neighborhood?

Sex offenders are NOT placed in any neighborhoods in Cass County. Once they are released from prison, they are free to live wherever they choose. Most offenders are released to the jurisdiction that originally gained conviction and is overseeing their probation. This jurisdiction cannot legally deny them residency. Offenders that want to move outside that jurisdiction must obtain permission prior to moving and may be denied residency.

Offenders often choose to live where their family or friends reside, where they are close to work or where they can find affordable housing. No government institution, including Sheriffs Office, State DOC, Probation or any other agency determines where these offenders live.

Cass County does have three registered Level III offenders living in the County. These offenders are required to be compliant and update their address and vehicle information. To learn more about the offenders in Cass County, visit the MN DOC POR Website at http://www.doc.state.mn.us/level3/search.asp

The main reason the Minnesota Legislature passed the Community Notification Act was to promote public safety. The Cass County Sheriff's Office believes an informed public is a safer public. Take the time to talk to your family about sexual violence. Assure your children that they can talk with you about questions they have about good touch versus bad touch, what to do if a stranger approaches them or if someone they know acts inappropriately towards them. Remind your children of basic safety rules: never talk to strangers or accept rides from people you don't know; watch out for common lures and tricks (a lost adult wanting directions, asking you to help look for a lost pet, offering you money, candy, toys in exchange for a favor, etc.). Teach them to use the buddy system and to listen to their instincts-if something doesn't feel or seem right, talk to you, a teacher, or another adult they trust. Resources and handout material is available on the DOC POR website for printing.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Emergency Management Office will be introducing an Emergency Notification System where users that sign up can get information from the Sheriff's Office on weather information and warnings through emails or text messages. This system will also be used to assist in sex offender notifications. Watch for more information in the coming weeks from the EMD Office on how to sign up for this free service! Working together and staying informed we can continue to keep our communities safe.

Information in this article gathered from the DOC POR Website and the City of Minneapolis Website.

If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 218-547-1424 toll free 1-800-450-2677

By Mail:Cass County Sheriff's Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box #1119

Walker MN 56484

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