Predatory Offenders
Since 1991, predatory offenders in Minnesota have been required to register their address with law enforcement (MSS 243.166). Since 1997, communities in Minnesota have had the right to know about certain offenders living amongst us; predatory offenders. Sometimes referred to as “sex offenders”, these are people that have been convicted of certain crimes and are thereafter required, by law, to register their information with law enforcement and keep authorities apprised of any changes in their address and other information.
Information that predatory offenders must register includes:
- Physical characteristics
- Home address
- Alternate addresses
- Phone numbers
- Employment information and address
- School information (if enrolled)
- Vehicle information
Offender Compliance
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the Predatory Offender Registry in Minnesota. At least annually, the BCA mails a document to every offender in Minnesota to assure that offender’s information is current. The Renville County Sheriff’s Office works closely with the BCA and, in addition to the BCA’s annual mail verification, our deputies conduct random, in-person checks on each offender in Renville County on a more frequent basis to ensure that the offenders are in compliance with the law. Investigations are conducted on those offenders found to be non-compliant and criminal prosecution is then pursued through the Renville County Attorney’s office.
How Many Predatory Offenders Live In Renville County?
The number of predatory offenders living or working in Renville County varies, often from day to day. Over the past few years, Renville County has had an average of between 35 and 45 predatory offenders living here at any given time.
Who Are The Predatory Offenders In Renville County?
Most information about predatory offenders is not public data. In certain cases, however, the information is public:
| Level I Predatory Offender Risk assessment score indicates a low risk of re-offense | NOT PUBLIC Law enforcement may only notify other law enforcement agencies and witnesses or victims of the offense. |
| Level II Predatory Offender Risk assessment score indicates a moderate risk of re-offense | NOT PUBLIC In addition to Level I notification, law enforcement may notify establishments and organizations likely to be victimized by the offender (schools, daycares, etc.). |
| Level III Predatory Offender Risk assessment score indicates a high risk of re-offense | PUBLIC In addition to Level II notification, law enforcement may notify members of the community and may use media or hold public meetings to deliver information. Find Level III Offenders in the MN Dept. of Corrections Site |
| Unassigned Risk Level Risk assessment has not been completed | NOT PUBLIC Law enforcement may only notify other law enforcement agencies and witnesses or victims of the offense. |
| Non-Compliant Predatory Offender Offender who has not complied with the requirement of the offender registry | PUBLIC Law enforcement may notify members of the community and may use media to deliver information. |
The Renville County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping our community safe and informed. As provided in Minnesota Statute 244.052, whenever possible, the Sheriff’s Office provides information about predatory offenders that is needed to make good decisions with regard to the safety and welfare of our citizens and their children. The Sheriff’s Office takes, very seriously, the fact that we as law enforcement have information about predatory offenders that cannot be shared with the public. You can rest assured that the Sheriff’s Office, along with the police departments in Renville County are checking on these offenders to assure that they are compliant with the registry requirements.
Who Assigns The Risk Levels?
Offenders who are sentenced to prison are assigned a risk level immediately prior to their release from prison. If a prison inmate had been convicted of a designated offense and is required to register as a predatory offender, prior to their release, an “End of Confinement Review Committee” (ECRC) is convened. The ECRC is comprised of the prison warden, a law enforcement officer, a sex offender treatment professional, a case worker experienced in supervising sex offenders and a victim services professional. Using a particular tool, which considers a variety of factors, the ECRC assigns a risk level.
What Is An Unassigned Risk Level?
Some offenders are convicted of designated offenses that require them to register. However, if that offender is sentenced to local jail time instead of prison, they are not reviewed by the ECRC (mentioned above). The ECRC only reviews offenders being discharged from prison. In these cases, the offenders are still required to register, but do not have a risk level assigned.
How Long Does The Offender Have To Register With Law Enforcement?
Registration is generally required for ten years after release or until correctional supervision ends, whichever is longer. If a predatory offender is convicted of any new offense and is sentenced to jail or prison while on the registry, the ten year registration requirement starts over. Some offenders are subject to lifetime registration.
Why Did You Let A Sex Offender Move To My Neighborhood?
As a Sheriff’s Office/law enforcement, we have no control over where a particular person may or may not live. That also includes predatory offenders. It is possible that a judge or a probation/parole officer could put stipulations on an offender’s living arrangements, but law enforcement may not. After an offender is done with their probation/parole term, any residence restrictions would no longer apply.
Can A Predatory Offender Attend A High School Volleyball Game Or Other Event?
Similar to residence restrictions, law enforcement may not dictate where an offender may or may not go. If the offender is on probation or parole, their supervising agent might stipulate that the offender may not have contact with juveniles (like at a high school event). However, if the offender is no longer on probation, they would have no restrictions. The fact that a person is on the Predatory Offender Registry, alone, does not place any restrictions on that person, other than they have to register (and keep current) their information with law enforcement.