SEX OFFENDER LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee Meeting was held on March 14, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. with Chairman Slavin presiding. Members present were Mr. Hare, Lt. Bernat, Mrs. Levitt, Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. Ratliff, and Mrs. Shroyer. Ms. Bell, Dr. Goaté, and Mrs. Ingram were absent. Councilman Ruane (arrived at 4:58 p.m.) was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Slavin requested the addition of Item #1, Presentation - Mr. Bill Sturgeon.

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

Adoption of Minutes - February 21, 2007

Mrs. Mercer moved for approval of the Minutes of the February 21, 2007 Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee meeting, seconded by Mrs. Shroyer and unanimously carried.

 

Presentation - Mr. Bill Sturgeon

Mr. Slavin indicated that he had a previous conversation with Mr. Bill Sturgeon, resident and business owner, regarding a situation with a registered sex offender and felt that it would be important for committee members to hear his concerns.

Mr. Sturgeon stated that he owns and operates a local painting company and had answered a “help wanted” ad that was posted in a local paint store. He stated that this individual indicated that he was just released from jail but did not give the correct reasons for why he was incarcerated. Mr. Sturgeon supplied employment to this individual, for approximately 4-5 days, doing industrial painting. During this time, Mr. Sturgeon also assisted this individual in obtaining proper identification, such as birth certificate and driver’s license, and living quarters. What made Mr. Sturgeon suspicious of this individual was the fact that he was living paycheck to paycheck, day to day, but yet had spent money on a disposable camera, which was left behind in a company vehicle. Mr. Sturgeon then searched the individual’s name on the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry website and found that he was listed as a Tier 3 sex offender. This information was immediately brought to the attention of the paint store where the help wanted ad was posted. He also visited the individual’s parole officer and disclosed the events that had taken place as well as turning over the disposable camera. Mr. Sturgeon stated that the parole officer indicated that he was aware of the incidents, that the individual did not break any laws, and that nothing could be done.

Responding to Mrs. Shroyer, Mr. Sturgeon stated that, through the Painting and Decorating Association, he has tried, utilizing his own funds, to start education seminars regarding how to use the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry website. Once a company has been through the education process, they would be awarded a seal to display on company letterhead.

Both Mr. Hare and Mrs. Mercer indicated that an industrial painting project would be an appropriate job for a registered sex offender but not a residential painting project. Mr. Slavin suggested that homeowners should ask questions when dealing with residential contractors or landscape crews such as if their employees have been checked against the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry.

Mrs. Shroyer stated that, while searching the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry, she found an individual that works next door to Club Kids on South Governors Avenue. Mrs. Shroyer also stated that she felt those individuals that are being release from prison are not getting the support needed from parole officers such as assisting with obtaining proper identification or finding appropriate employment.

Discussion - Possible Recommendations

Mr. Slavin indicated that the three (3) areas of discussion would be education, enforcement, and notification. Members gave various improvement ideas for each item (Attachment #1).

Lt. Bernat supplied members with a Dover Police Department Sex Offender Management Improvement Suggestions list (Attachment #2).

Mrs. Levitt stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is presenting a Cyber-Safety workshop at William Henry Middle School on March 20, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Discussion - Meeting Dates and Times, Meeting Format, Etc.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 21, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Caucus Room to further discuss possible recommendations and draft a final review.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 5:18 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Timothy A. Slavin

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Three Areas of Discussion

Attachment #2 - Dover Police Department Sex Offender Management Improvement Suggestions list