What is a sex offender?
The term "sex offender" refers to any person convicted of rape, rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, sexual violation of human remains, incest, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, a felony with a finding of sexual motivation or a federal out-of-state conviction that, under Washington law, would be classified as a felony sex offense.
Who must register as a sex offender?
Any adult or juvenile who has been convicted of a sex offense after Feb. 28, 1990, or who is on active supervision for a sex offense or who has been committed as a sexually violent predator.
How long must a sex offender continue to register?
The duration of an offender's duty to register is based upon the original offense:
- Class A Felony: May stop registering only upon the petition of the superior court.
- Class B Felony: 15 years from the date of release or entry of the judgment and sentence, if the person has spent 15 consecutive years in the community without being convicted of any new offenses.
- Class C Felony: 10 years from the date of release from confinement of entry of the judgment and sentence, if the person has spent 10 consecutive years in the community without being convicted of any new offenses.
- Petition of Court: Any person having the duty to register, or an offender having the duty to register for a sex offense when the offender was a juvenile, may petition the superior court to be relieved of that duty.
Who decides where a sex offender may live?
The Bellevue Police Department has no legal authority to direct where sex offenders may or may not live. Unless court-ordered restrictions exist, the offender is constitutionally free to live wherever he or she chooses.
What is a risk level?
One of three risk levels is assigned to a sex offender, based on the potential risk to reoffend. Past criminal history, conviction data and psychological behavioral evaluations are considered:
- Level I - Is considered a low risk to reoffend.
- Level II - Is considered a moderate risk to reoffend.
- Level III - is considered a high risk to reoffend.
Under what authority is sex offender information released to the public?
The Bellevue Police Department releases sex offender information pursuant to Revised Code of Washington 4.24.550, which authorizes law enforcement to release information to the public regarding sex offenders when the agency determines that disclosure of information is relevant and necessary to protect the public and to counteract the danger created by the particular offender. The content of the information made available, as well as where and how the information is disseminated, is restricted to the standards set forth in Chapter 4.24 and by the Washington State Supreme Court ruling in State v. Ward, 123 Wa 2d 488 (1994).
This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.
What guidelines are used to determine the extent of public disclosure?
Level I - Information about Level I offenders shall be shared with other law enforcement agencies and, upon request, the Department may disclose relevant, necessary and accurate information to any victim or witness to the offense and to any individual community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside or is regularly found. Level I offenders MAY NOT be the subject of general public notification.
Level II - Relevant, necessary and accurate information concerning Level II offenders may be disclosed to public and private schools, child day care centers, family day care providers, businesses and organizations that serve primarily children, women or vulnerable adults, and neighbors and community groups near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside or is regularly found. Level II offenders MAY NOT be the subject of general public notification.
Level III - Relevant, accurate and necessary information concerning Level III offenders MAY BE disclosed to the public at large.
What steps should I take to protect my family?
Sex offenders, including those who live in the community and haven't satisfied their obligations to register, have always been with us. Personal safety questions can be answered by the Bellevue Crime Prevention Office at 425-452-6915.
Who can I call to get more information about Sex Offenders?
The Bellevue Police public information officer would be happy to answer any questions you might have about sex offenders. The officer can be reached Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or you may send an e-mail to the Department with any questions.
Last updated: Oct. 2003
