Sex Offender FAQ's
SEX OFFENDER RISK LEVELS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do the sex offender risk levels mean?
A risk level is assigned to a registered sex offender based on their potential to reoffend sexually within the community at large. A risk assessment tool is used to assist in this process.
Risk Level 1 | Offenders are classified as a level 1 offender if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate he/she is a low risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large.
Pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, level 1 offenders are not published on the website unless they are transient/homeless or non-compliant.
For specific information on a level 1 offender, please contact the Sex Offender Registration Unit at [email protected]. |
Risk Level 2 | Offenders are classified as level 2 offenders if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate he/she is a moderate risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large.
Pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, level 2 offenders are published on the website. |
Risk Level 3 | Offenders are classified as level 3 offenders if his/her risk assessment and other factors indicate he/she is a moderate risk to sexually reoffend within the community at large.
Pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, level 3 offenders are published on the website. |
Do all offenders have an assigned risk level?
No, in some cases, an offender may not have an assigned risk level and be in an “Unrated” status. This may be due to law enforcement being somewhere in the process of completing a risk assessment to determine the level of risk the offender poses (sufficient documentation must be compiled to complete such risk assessments) or, in some rare instances; offenders may remain “Unrated” as sufficient documentation no longer exists to accurately complete a risk assessment.
REGISTRATION AND RESTRICTIONS OF SEX OFFENDERS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who has a duty to register as a sex offender?
How and when a sex offender registers is determined by RCW 9A.44.130. Washington state sex offender laws apply to juvenile and adult sex offenders.
How long does a sex offender have to register?
The duration of an offender’s duty to register is determined by RCW 9A.44.140.
Who decides where a registered sex offender may live?
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has no legal authority to direct where sex offenders may or may not live. Unless court ordered restrictions exist, or the offender is on active supervision by the Department of Corrections and has a residency restriction imposed as a condition of his/her supervision, the offender is constitutionally free to live wherever he/she chooses.
How can I get information on offenders registered in other jurisdictions?
Further questions?
Please contact the Sex Offender Registration Unit at (253)798-6167, (253)798-2362, (253)798-7706 or (253)798-2924 or [email protected].
OFFENDERS WHO HAVE A DUTY TO REGISTER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do I go to register if I live in Pierce County?
You register at Pierce County Sheriff’s Department headquarters, located in the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S. (first floor), Tacoma, WA 98405.
Can I register at other locations in Pierce County?
No.
When can I register?
Initial Sex Offender Registration
This includes new convictions and new/or returning residents to Pierce County
Registration is by appointment only. Please call (253) 798-3861 to schedule. Appointments are currently available Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Change or Update Information
This includes employment, vehicle updates as well as local address changes
Registration is by appointment only. Please call (253) 798-3861 to schedule. Appointments are currently available Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Transient Registration
Offenders who register as Transient are required, by law, to check-in with the Sheriff’s Department once a week
Registration is by appointment only. Please call (253) 798-3861 to schedule. Appointments are currently available Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
How long do I have to register?
The duration of your duty to register is determined by RCW 9A.44.140.
How can I be relieved of the duty to register?
If you were convicted as an adult please refer to RCW 9A.44.142.
If you were convicted as a juvenile please refer to RCW 9A.44.143.
Further questions?
Please contact the Sex Offender Registration Unit at (253)798-6167, (253)798-2362, or [email protected].