SEX OFFENDER LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee Meeting was held on January 24, 2007 at 4:04 p.m. with Chairman Slavin presiding. Members present were Dr. Goaté, Mr. Hare, Ms. Ingram, Mrs. Levitt, Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. Ratliff, and Mrs. Shroyer. Ms. Bell was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Hare moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Ratliff and unanimously carried.

Adoption of Minutes - Regular Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee Meeting of January 10, 2007

Dr. Goaté moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee Meeting of January 10, 2007, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

Presentation - Sex Offender Management in the Community (Laurie Pezick - Probation and Parole)

Ms. Laurie Pezick of Probation and Parole provided a presentation on Management of Sex Offenders in the Community (Attachment #1). Ms. Pezick advised members that there are currently 3,204 registered sex offenders, of which 428 are Tier III. She noted that they work with the offenders to recognize and understand their cycle of offending and help them to establish internal controls. Ms. Pezick noted that special restrictions are also imposed on the offenders, such as being prohibited from owning computers or video equipment if they were used during the offense.

Ms. Pezick advised members that the more support the sex offender receives, the less likely they will be to offend again. She recommended educating the community on the risk that the sex offenders represent and teaching the community how to be safe. Ms. Pezick suggested working with the local Parent Teacher Associations to talk about the cycle of victimization and how to break the cycle. She also recommended educating employers on keeping sex offenders in safe, stress-reduced situations to aid in job continuity, which will lessen the likelihood of re-offending.

Ms. Pezick informed members that sex offenders in Delaware are required to have a special designation of “Y” on their drivers licenses.

Responding to Dr. Goaté, Ms. Pezick stated that probation officers are sent for special training with the Association of Treatment for Sexual Abusers (ATSA) on sex offending behavior and how to supervise offenders. Additionally, for one year they are assigned to a training officer.

Ms. Pezick advised members that most of the repeat offenders are arrested for drugs, not sex offenses. She also noted that 80% of sex offenders are white and 51% are black.

Presentation - Sex Offender Notification Procedures - Caesar Rodney School District (Dr. Larry Harrison)

Dr. Larry Harrison, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, advised members that the Caesar Rodney School District maintains a sex offender binder and a log in sheet at the receptionists desks at all 13 schools and new notices are sent to all of the schools within 24 hours of receiving them. He noted that their staff, including the bus drivers, are notified when a sex offender moves into the area.

Dr. Harrison noted that the school principals speak to the Parent Teacher Organizations and Associations twice a year regarding the registration and notification process. He noted that they need to increase security, awareness, communication, and vigilance. Dr. Harrison advised members that three of the middle schools and the high school have resource officers to help with security.

Stranger Safety DVD

Due to technical difficulties, the DVD will be viewed at the next scheduled meeting.

Discussion - Possible Recommendations Identified to Date

Mr. Slavin stated that he has identified the following areas for recommendations identified to date: public safety, public education, legislative issues, and City operations, such as how to improve communication and strengthen police resources.

Mrs. Levitt suggested that if Attorney General Biden were going to be attending the next meeting, it could be made a public event held at one of the schools. Mrs. Shroyer suggested that Representative Wagner would also be a good speaker, since she was a co-sponsor of Jessica’s Law. She noted that she would like a better understanding of what resources are available locally for victims and offenders. Mrs. Shroyer noted that she would also like to address another way of organizing the registry. Mr. Hare suggested emphasizing the benefit of education and support for employers and families.

Adjournment

Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Ratliff and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:12 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Timothy A. Slavin

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Presentation - Management of Sex Offenders in the Community