004.00.07 Ark. Code R. 001
Historical Background
The United States Congress passed the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act as part of the Federal Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. On June 19, 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice published the Proposed Guidelines in the Federal Register (63 FR 33696) to implement the act as amended by "Megan's Law," the Pam Lyncher Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996, and §115 of the General Provisions of Title I of the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998. The Wetterling Act was further modified by the "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" (§1601 of Public Law 106-386). This federal law, enacted October 28, 2000, provides for the tracking of, and availability of, notification information to the campus community about convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students, working, or volunteering at institutions of higher education. These requirements are tied to state eligibility for certain types of federal grant funding and must be implemented through state law. The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act of 2006 further expanded Title 1 to include certain juvenile offenses, possession of child pornography, sex trafficking, and a new definition of sex offense.
Arkansas Legislation
The 81st General Assembly of the State of Arkansas passed FIB 1061, which became Act 989, "The Sex and Child Offender Registration Act of 1997" This legislation was amended by the 82nd General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, passing of HB 1963 which became Act 1353 of 1999. Act 1353 was modified by Acts 1740 and 1743 in the 83rd General Assembly. Acts 1740 and 1743 were combined and amended into Act 21 of the 2nd extraordinary session of the 84th General Assembly. Because the assessment and registration requirements are different for juveniles adjudicated as sex offenders, the law relating to juvenile sex offenders was revised in Act 1265 of 2003. Act 4 of the first extraordinary session of 2006 further revised the sex offender registration laws. A.C.A. § 12-12-923 establishes electronic monitoring for sexually violent predators for 10 years following release from prison. A.C.A. § 12-27-125 established enhanced monitoring for sex offenders in the Department of Community Correction.
Current code section references for adult offenders are Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 12-12-901 through 923. The additional code section for juvenile offenders is § 9-27-356. The intent of these various Acts is to protect the people of Arkansas from victimization by individuals who have previously engaged in criminal sexual behavior.
The Sex Offender Assessment Committee
Arkansas law at A.C.A. 12-12-921 establishes a nine (9) member Sex Offender Assessment Committee ("Committee"). Subject to confirmation by the Senate, the Governor appoints the following six (6) members.
* A defense attorney
* A prosecuting attorney
* A licensed mental health professional
* A victim's rights advocate
* A law enforcement officer
* A member with expertise in juvenile justice or treatment
Also serving on the Committee is
* The director of the Arkansas Department of Correction, or the director's designee
* The director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center, or the director's designee
* The director of the Department of Community Correction, or the director's designee
The Sex Offender Assessment Committee (SOAC) is charged with promulgating guidelines and procedures for disclosure of relevant and necessary information to the public when the release of the information is necessary for the public protection. The Committee must also establish qualifications for examiners and qualify examiners to prepare reports in accordance with the assessment protocol.
Adult assessments are completed by the Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program (SOSRA). SOSRA is a unit within the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC). Correspondence to the Sex Offender Assessment Committee and to the staff for Sex Offender Risk Assessment Program is to be directed to Post Office Box 6209, Pine Bluff AR 71611-6209, faxed to (870) 850-8446, or e-mailed to adc.sosra@arkansas.gov. The office may be reached by phone: (870) 850-8429.
ADC contracts with the Family Treatment Program (FTP) through Children's Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to conduct assessments of juvenile offenders, according to standards and procedures developed by that organization and approved by the Sex Offender Assessment Committee.
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Maintenance of the Sex Offender Registry and Web Site and responsibility for tracking of sex offenders in the community are vested in the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). Information is available through the Internet, http://www.acic.org. The Internet links provide statistical information, as well as individual information, on high-risk offenders and sexually violent predators. Correspondence is to be directed to the Arkansas Crime Information Center, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201. The phone numbers for the Sex Offender Registry at ACIC are (501) 682-7439 or (501) 682-7441. The fax number is (501)683-5592.
ACIC may release information regarding individual offenders only to members of the criminal justice system. However, if a member of the public believes that a sex offender should have registered, but did not, or has changed address or employment without proper notification, that information is to be given to ACIC by that member of the public at the numbers listed above.
ACIC maintains a website that provides information on all level 3 and level 4 sex offenders. The public may access that website at http://www.acic.org.
Sex Offender Registration
A.C.A. § 12-12-905 requires that the following persons must register:
Pursuant to A.C.A. § 9-27-356, the court determines whether or not a juvenile is required to register.
Target Offenses:
Pursuant to federal law, (42 U.S.C. 14071 a, (3) A and B), target offenses include:
* Kidnapping of a minor, except by a parent;
* False imprisonment of a minor, except by a parent;
* Criminal sexual conduct toward a minor;
* Solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual conduct;
* Use of a minor in a sexual performance;
* Solicitation of a minor to practice prostitution;
* Any conduct that by its nature is a sexual offense against a minor;
* Any sexually violent offense regardless of the age of the victim (18 U.S.C. Sections 2241 and 2242);
* An attempt to commit any of the above offenses if the legislature chooses to make such an attempt a criminal offense requiring registration;
* Exceptions to the above may be made if the act is criminal based on the age of the victim and the perpetrator is 18 years of age or younger;
* Any other offense that the Arkansas Legislature determines is a sexual offense or violent offense against a child.
Additionally, the court may require registration of any offense for which there was a sexually motivated component. If the court determines that there is a sexual component, registration may be required. (For example, some stalking cases are not sexually motivated and others are.) Adults convicted of the following must register.
1. | Kidnapping of a minor, not by a parent | § 5-11-102 |
2. | False imprisonment of a minor 1st, not by a parent | § 5-11-103 |
3. | False imprisonment of a minor 2nd, not by a parent | § 5-11-104 |
4. | Permanent detention or restraint of a minor, not by a parent | § 5-11-106 |
5. | Rape | § 5-14-103 |
6. | Sexual indecency with a child | § 5-14-110 |
7. | Public Sexual Indecency | § 5-14-111 |
8. | Indecent exposure, if a felony offense | § 5-14-112 |
9. | Exposing another person to HIV, when ordered by the Court to Register | § 5-14-123 |
10. | Sexual Assault 1st degree | § 5-14-124 |
11. | Sexual Assault 2nd degree | § 5-14-125 |
12. | Sexual Assault 3rd degree | § 5-14-126 |
13. | Sexual Assault 4th degree | § 5-14-127 |
14. | Video Voyeurism | § 5-16-101 |
15. | Voyeurism | § 5-16-102 |
16. | Incest | § 5-26-202 |
17. | Permitting abuse of a minor | § 5-27-221 |
18. | Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium | § 5-27-303 |
19. | Pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, | § 5-27-304 |
20. | Transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct | § 5-27-305 |
21. | Internet Stalking of a Child | § 5-27-306 |
22. | Employing or consenting to the use of a child in a sexual performance | § 5-27-402 |
23. | Producing, directing or promoting a sexual performance | § 5-27-403 |
24. | Distributing, possessing, or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child | § 5-27-602 |
25. | Computer child pornography | § 5-27-603 |
26. | Computer exploitation of a child | § 5-27-605 |
27. | Promoting prostitution in the first degree | § 5-70-104 |
28. | Stalking when ordered by the court to register | § 5-71-229 |
29. | An attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any of the above offenses. |
This list of target offenses is not exclusive. The registration requirement extends to the requirements of other state laws, tribal laws, military laws, and additional federal laws. Newly enacted sex offenses or current target offenses subsequently modified by legislation shall be considered target offenses unless otherwise specified by the legislature. The sentencing court has the authority to order the registration of any offender shown in court to have attempted to commit or to have committed a sex offense, even if the offense is not listed as a target offense. Any individual living in or moving into Arkansas, or regularly entering Arkansas for employment, education, or training, who has been convicted of a target offense, or a differently titled, but equivalent offense by a federal court, tribal court, military court, or the court of another state, that is the substantial equivalent of a target offense, or is required to register under the laws of another state is required to register and to submit to assessment in Arkansas.
Aggravated Sex Offenses
"Aggravated sex offense" means an offense substantially equivalent to "aggravated sexual abuse" as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2241 as it existed on March 1, 2003, which principally encompasses:
Determination as to whether an offense qualifies as an "Aggravated Sex Offense" may depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense. The court must indicate on the judgment and commitment or judgment and disposition form whether or not the offense is an aggravated sex offense.
Should there be any confusion regarding whether a sex offense qualifies as an "Aggravated Sex Offense" the Court will be contacted during the course of the assessment of the offender.
Individuals convicted of (an) aggravate sexual offense(s) are required to register for life.
Regi stration of Offenders
The sentencing court requiring registration shall be responsible for registering a sex offender at the time of conviction. The Registration form, the ACIC Acknowledgment form, and Sex Offender Advisement form shall be a part of the paperwork completed at the time of conviction and shall be included with any other paperwork completed by the offender at that time. The prosecutor is to provide these forms to ACIC with the packet of information completed by the sex offender. These forms are available at the ACIC website.
The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction will ensure that sex offenders moving into their jurisdiction register. The law enforcement agency with jurisdiction shall complete the registration form and have the offender read and sign the ACIC Acknowledgement form and immediately fax those forms to ACIC. Law enforcement officials shall also fax these forms to SOSRA (Fax: 870-850-8446). This will alert SOSRA to the need to begin the assessment process and/or alert SOSRA to the fact that an offender has relocated.
The Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) shall complete the registration form for any offender being released from confinement ten days prior to release. ADC shall also have the offender read and sign the ACIC Acknowledgement form. These forms shall be faxed by ADC to ACIC and SOSRA.
Sex offenders released from ADC must register with the law enforcement agency where they will reside upon release.
Residency
Residency is defined by A.C.A. § 12-12-903(10) as the place were a person lives notwithstanding there may be an intent to move or return at some future date to another place. Residency also includes place of employment, training, or education. An offender must register in each law enforcement jurisdiction where he or she lives, attends school or is employed. For example, a convicted sex offender who is a college student must register with law enforcement (chief of police or sheriff) in the jurisdiction in which he or she lives, and the campus police or safety office, and possibly a third jurisdiction if working in a different city or county from where he or she resides.
Residence shall include a motor home, vehicle or boat when that is where the individual resides.
Adults and juveniles from outside Arkansas whom have been or would be required to register by the laws of the jurisdiction in which they were adjudicated are required to be assessed and to register if they spend more than 14 consecutive days or more than 30 aggregate days a year residing in Arkansas.
Verification of Residency
Level 1 through 3 sex offenders must notify ACIC and law enforcement of any change of address ten (10) days prior to change. For an unexpected emergency change of address as in the case of a dwelling fire or natural disaster changes must be reported within five (5) days. A.C.A § 12-12-906.
Sexually Violent Predators and those convicted of Aggravated Sexual Offenses must present themselves every three (3) months to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction to verify residency.
Sexually Violent Predators released from confinement after 04/07/2006 must present themselves to local law enforcement, and are subject to electronic monitoring for ten (10) years. A.C.A § 12-12-923.
All other offenders not determined to be Sexually Violent Predators, level 4, or not convicted of an Aggravated Sexual Offense must present themselves to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction to verify residency every six (6) months.
ACIC will send a Verification of Residency form to the offender's home and that form must be presented to the local law enforcement agency in order to verify residency.
Failure to register or maintain registration is a Class C Felony. A.C.A. § 12-12-904.
Community Notification Assessment
The Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program (SOSRA) under the auspices of the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) must conduct a community notification assessment on each sex offender required to register in Arkansas, unless the offender was assessed by a law enforcement agency prior to the development of SOSRA and that assessment information was entered into to the ACIC database. Assessments completed by local law enforcement prior to the development of SOSRA, but not entered into the ACIC database, will not be considered a valid assessment. In those instances, SOSRA will conduct an assessment.
Community Notification Assessments are conducted for the purpose of determining the most appropriate level of community notification. The community notification level assigned by SOSRA strictly indicates the level of notification to be performed by local law enforcement.
Assessment Process
Community Notification Assessments should include, but are not limited to, the following:
* A review of the sex offender's criminal history, with particular attention given to any offense that was sexual or violent in nature.
* An interview of the sex offender completed by SOSRA staff.
* A polygraph examination or a Voice Stress Analysis in cases in which SOSRA staff do not believe that they have adequate information to accurately assess the offender.
* A thorough review of any mental health records available to SOSRA staff at the time of assessment that may be relevant to the offender's risk to the community.
* Psychological testing when deemed necessary by SOSRA psychologists.
* Other information that is relevant to the offender's offense history and/or pattern.
* Completion of appropriate actuarial instruments designed to assess individuals convicted of sexual offenses.
Referrals
Sex Offenders may be referred to SOSRA for assessment in a number of ways. ACIC submits a list of newly registered offenders monthly. Law enforcement agencies refer sex offenders in their jurisdictions. A court or prosecutor can refer an offender for assessment. The Arkansas Parole Board can refer an offender for assessment. The Department of Community Correction can also refer an offender for assessment. Additionally, an offender may call and alert SOSRA to the need for assessment upon conviction or upon moving into Arkansas and/or a new jurisdiction.
Initial Information Gathering
If law enforcement, a court, and/or a prosecuting attorney make the referral, the initial information will be gathered on the Law Enforcement Call-in Sheet. If the law enforcement agency making the referral was the arresting agency, a request will be made that they forward all available information from the investigative file. That information includes but is not limited to:
* Arrest Report/Incident Report
* Number & Age of Victims
* Victim Statement
* Offender Statement
* Injury to Victim/Force Used
* Whether a weapon was used in the commission of the crime
* Any Medical Information
If the law enforcement agency making the referral is not the arresting agency, enough information will be gathered utilizing the Law Enforcement Call-in sheet to allow SOSRA to run an ACIC/NCIC printout. In lieu of the Law Enforcement Call-In Sheet, a copy of a completed registration form may be faxed to SOSRA. That form will give SOSRA enough information to proceed with information gathering.
Arkansas Crime and Information Center Referral: If the referral is received via a list received from the Arkansas Crime and Information Center, SOSRA will run an ACIC/NCIC printout and begin the information gathering process.
Arkansas Department of Community Correction Referral: If the Department of Community Correction is the referring agency, they will forward any information they have pertaining to sex offense convictions involving the offender.
Arkansas Parole Board Referral: If the Arkansas Parole Board is the referring agency, they will provide the name, ADC#, and any relevant information about the offender's incarceration history.
Offender Self-Referral: If the offender makes the initial referral, the Offender Call In Sheet will be utilized, and the information on that form will be gathered.
General Information Gathering
Diligent attempts will be made to gather all available information necessary to complete an accurate assessment and all attempts will be documented.
Desired information for a complete and accurate assessment is listed below. The list is not exhaustive, and the staff member is expected to use his/her best judgment as to what further information may be required to complete the assessment. Not all information will be available for every assessment.
* Judgment & Commitment or Judgment & Disposition Order for each sex offense
* Affidavit & Warrant for Arrest
* Detailed description of each sex offense
* Detailed description of violent offenses
* Current & Complete ACIC/NCIC Report
* Drug & Alcohol history &Treatment Information
* Community Sex Offender Treatment information
* RSVP Treatment Information (RSVP Final Evaluation & MSI)
* Medical information on possible injury to the victim
* Relevant incarceration information
* Relevant probation/parole information
* Felony information
If the offender is incarcerated in Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC), all possible information will be gathered following the above-mentioned procedure. Information will also be gathered from the ADC file, mental health file, RSVP file, & any other available files, as appropriate.
A separate sheet of paper listing all documents obtained will be placed in the file. The offender will be provided with this list upon request.
Prosecutor's File
Effective April 7, 2006, as a result of Act 4 passed in the 2006 first extraordinary session of the General Assembly, prosecutors shall forward a copy of their file to SOSRA within 30 days of conviction of an offense that led to the registration of a sex offender. SOSRA will seek the assistance of the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator to develop a list of relevant information and documents to be sent by the prosecutor upon conviction of a sex offender
5th Amendment
A.C.A. § 12-12-917(b)(4)(B) protects any admissions to SOSRA made by the offender during the assessment interview from use in a criminal proceeding. In this way, the individual's Fifth Amendment rights are protected. Therefore, the offender may not avoid answering questions by claiming protection under the 5th amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. (This protection does not relieve SOSRA staff of legal reporting obligations.)
Interview
Upon receipt of the necessary information the record will be assigned to and reviewed by a SOSRA interviewer in preparation for an interview. The interviewer may gather additional information.
Offenders residing in the community are required to travel to the SOSRA Offices at 2403 E. Harding Avenue in Pine Bluff, unless they are hospitalized or have a medical condition that would prevent them from traveling. In such cases, offenders must provide written documentation of the medical condition preventing them from traveling. The written documentation must come from a physician.
Offenders will be given two opportunities to appear for an interview. The first notice will be sent first class mail. If the offender fails to appear, a second notice will be mailed by certified mail, restricted delivery. SOSRA will send the letter scheduling the interview to the most recent ACIC address, unless the offender, law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, or the Department of Community Correction provides SOSRA with a more recent address, due to a recent move. Provision of a new address to SOSRA does not relieve the offender of the obligation to provide the address directly to law enforcement.
Efforts will be made to assess sex offenders in ADC prior to their release. In the event that is not possible, priority will be given to those ADC offenders referred by the Arkansas Parole Board and/or who have a transfer eligibility date within one year. Copies of the Offender Profile Report will be provided to the Arkansas Parole Board on all ADC offenders.
Interviews taking place at the SOSRA offices will be recorded. If for any reason, it is not possible to visually record an interview, it will be audio recorded. DVD's of interviews or cassette tapes of interviews will be maintained in the SOSRA record for a minimum of two years after the interview.
Information gathered during the interview includes, but is not limited to:
* Number of sex offense convictions.
* Number of offenses that were sexual in nature, but pled to another offense.
* Number of violent convictions/incidents.
* Manner in which the offender gains access to victims.
* Number of victims.
* Age & sex of victims.
* Relationship of offender to victims.
* How the offender gained compliance.
* Whether the offender has caused physical injury to victim(s).
* Deviant sexual interests.
* Any sadistic behavior/interest on the part of the offender.
* Any other information deemed necessary for the accurate completion of actuarial instruments and/or to accurately assess the offender.
The SOSRA psychologist will determine whether enough information exists within the SOSRA file to determine whether the offender fits the criteria of a Sexually Violent Predator. A SOSRA psychologist may participate in or conduct a supplemental interview of any offender who may fit the criteria for Sexually Violent Predator. The psychologist will document his/her participation in the file, including any diagnoses made as a part of the assessment.
The Assessment Summary form will be completed to the extent possible prior to the interview and will generally be used as a guide for the interview. However, the Assessment Summary form will not limit the interviewer's ability to gather the information listed and necessary for the assessment.
The salient aspects of the interview will be documented in a typed Interview Summary. The interview summary should include the official version of all known sex offenses and violent offenses, as well as the offender's version of these events. The information listed above and any other relevant information used to determine a community notification level should also be included.
Actuarial Instruments
The interviewer will complete the actuarial instruments deemed appropriate by SOSRA psychologists. Those instruments will be completed in accordance with the scoring guidelines for each instrument. The actuarial instruments are only one component of the assessment process.
Default Assessment Determination: Failure to Appear for Interview; Inappropriate Behavior; Voluntary Termination of the Assessment.
If an offender living in the community fails to appear for his/her first scheduled interview, he/she will be sent another letter scheduling a second interview. If the offender fails to appear for the second appointment; refuses to cooperate in the assessment process (where the offender's aggressive or disruptive behavior prevents an assessment or where the offender refuses to cooperate and answer questions required for an assessment); or the offender voluntarily terminates the assessment after having been advised of the consequences, he/she will be assigned a default level 3 or will have information reviewed for consideration of Sexually Violent Predator status. If a SOSRA psychologist determines that there is adequate information available to indicate that the offender fits the criteria of a Sexually Violent Predator, the offender will be referred to the Sex Offender Assessment Committee for consideration.
SOSRA will refer appropriate incidents to the prosecutor for refusal to cooperate with the assessment process, a Class C Felony (see A.C.A. § 12-12-904(a)).
Paperwork/DNA/Digital Photographs
While conducting the assessment, a SOSRA staff person will be assigned to monitor offenders, complete the SOSRA Consent/Refusal/Confidentiality form, the ACIC acknowledgement form and instruct them about basic assessment information. If the offender refuses to sign the forms, the SOSRA staff person will attempt to obtain a witness to document the offender's refusal. Both witnesses will sign and date the form.
SOSRA will make attempts to ascertain whether or not an offender's DNA has been obtained prior to an interview at the SOSRA offices. If evidence does not exist that DNA has been gathered, SOSRA will obtain a DNA sample.
Whenever possible, a digital photograph will be taken of each offender during the assessment process. The offender will be identified at the time the photographs are taken. The photos will be transferred to the Offender Fact Sheet. In the event that an offender is not photographed at the time of his interview, a photograph will be obtained from another source, such as the eOMIS system, local law enforcement, the Department of Community Correction, or ACIC.
Truth Detection Techniques
If SOSRA staff determines that there is insufficient information to accurately assess a sex offender, a polygraph examination and/or voice stress analysis may be used to seek further information. Generally, sex offenders should be referred for a polygraph or voice stress analysis when:
* The sex offender was convicted of a "hands off' sex offense (i.e. exhibitionism, child pornography, etc.) to ensure there are not "hands on" victims.
* The sex offender offended on victims inside his or her own household to ensure there are not any victims outside his or her home.
* Offenders are female to gain additional information, as research and data for assessment of female offenders is limited.
* When there are strong indications of sadistic behavior during the sex offense and the offender does not admit sexual arousal to the sadistic elements.
* The sex offender has one known victim but there are indications of a deviant sexual interest to ensure that there are no other victims.
* The offender claims to have remained offense-free for an extended period of time.
Each case is different and this list does not prohibit a polygraph or voice-stress analysis to be conducted in other situations in order to seek additional information for an assessment. However, staff generally should make a recommendation for polygraph when the above conditions are met. The SOSRA administrator and/or SOSRA psychologist will make the final decision whether to use a truth detection measure with an offender.
Offenders will be given one opportunity to present themselves and submit to a truth detection examination or analysis. Failure to appear for the scheduled examination will result in the offender being assessed a Level 3 by Default or referred to the SOAC for a determination of Level 4 if appropriate.
Any behavior by the offender to influence the results of a truth detection examination or analysis will result in the offender defaulting him/herself to a Level 3 or referral to the Sex Offender Assessment Committee for a Level 4 consideration. The offender may be referred for prosecution for failing to cooperate with the assessment process, a Class C Felony, (see A.C.A. 12-12-904(a))
Sexually Violent Predator
Sexually Violent Predator refers to a person who has been adjudicated guilty or acquitted on the grounds of mental disease or defect of a sexually violent offense who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses. The designation indicates that the highest and most visible means of community notification should be conducted on these offenders. Sexually Violent Predator status should be considered for the following:
* Offenses involved multiple instances with multiple victims;
* The offender caused or threatened serious harm to the victim(s);
* The offense(s) involved bizarre, ritualistic, or sadistic behaviors;
* The offense(s) involved attempts on the part of the offender to manipulate him/herself into a position of power or authority over, or establish a relationship with the victim for the primary purpose of violation, exploitation, or victimization; or
* Evidence of sexual deviancy or psychopathy exists.
Potential routes for determination as to whether an individual should be designated a Sexually Violent Predator:
Sexually Violent Predator assessments pursuant to A.C.A. 12-12-922 will be presented to the Sex Offender Assessment Committee by SOSRA. The Sex Offender Assessment Committee will determine whether the offender meets the criteria.
The Sex Offender Assessment Committee must decide by a majority vote as to whether or not the offender meets the criteria for Sexually Violent Predator. The Chair of the Sex Offender Assessment Committee will be required to poll any members of the Committee unable to attend a meeting and document their vote based on the report.
Sex offenders moving into the State of Arkansas from other states will be considered Sexually Violent Predators, if that or an equivalent, determination has been made by the sending state. If terminologies or criteria differ, SOSRA will request the offender's assessment file. SOSRA may make a determination based on that file or may require the offender to submit to assessment in Arkansas.
Community Notification Levels
After completing the assessment process, each offender will be assigned a community notification level.
* Level 1: Typically offenders in this category have no prior history of sexual offending and the community can be protected with notification inside the home and to local law enforcement authorities.
* Level 2: Typically offenders in this category have a history of sexual offending where notification inside the home is insufficient. Community notification requires notice to the offender's known victim preference and those likely to come into contact with the offender.
* Level 3: Typically offenders in this category have a history of repeat sexual offending, and/or strong antisocial, violent or predatory personality characteristics. These are individuals whose offense and criminal history require notification throughout the community.
Offenders who appear for the assessment under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or who fail to timely disclose the use of medications, individuals who fail to appear for assessment, individuals who are aggressive, threatening, or disruptive to the point that SOSRA staff cannot proceed with the assessment process, and individuals who voluntarily terminate the assessment process having been advised of the potential consequences will be classified as being a Level 3 or referred to SOAC for Sexually Violent Predator status.
* Level 4: Sexually Violent Predator refers to a person who has been adjudicated guilty or acquitted on the grounds of mental disease or defect of a sexually violent offense who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses. The designation indicates that the highest and most visible means of community notification is required.
Overrides & Departures
The actuarial tools used during the assessment are only one component of a community notification assessment. The other components of the assessment have been previously described in these guidelines. The following additional information will be used in connection with the results of actuarial tools and the other components of the assessment previously discussed. In instances where an actuarial instrument is used, the following are nonexclusive and non-binding descriptions of when an increase or decrease from the actuarial score may be appropriate in determining the notification level.
Considerations for Increased Notification
* If the offender has committed previous juvenile or adult sexual offense(s); has multiple offenses; or has multiple victims, whether or not there are convictions, the community notification level may go beyond the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments. This may extend to known or self-admitted molestations, offenses that were reported and reliably investigated even if not prosecuted, and offenses primarily sexual in nature but pled down to non-sexual offenses.
* If statements made by the offender during the interview, or relevant historical data suggest there are psychological abnormalities that may predispose the offender to sexual offending; a physical condition, addiction or other psychological impairment that decreases his/her ability to control sexual impulses, or increases his/her potential for sexual violence; or other data that suggest higher risk than the actuarial model predicts, the community notification level should go beyond the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments.
* If the offense involved extreme physical injury, death, or other heinous actions, the offender should be assigned no lower than a Level 3.
* If the offender has provided information on record or during the interview that he/she is likely to commit subsequent sexually offenses, the offender may be assigned Level 3 or referred to the SOAC for a determination of Level 4, if appropriate.
* If the offender's offense history, behavior, or victim characteristics (e.g., extremely young victim, stranger victim, extra-familial victim, etc.) indicates community notification should go beyond the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments.
Considerations for Decreased Notification
* If after treatment, (behavioral, anti-androgen or other), the offender is able to show evidence that the treatment has significantly enhanced the offender's impulse control ability and decreased the predisposition to re-offend, the community notification level assigned may be lower than the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments, unless the offender has been classified at Level 4, Sexually Violent Predator.
* If there is evidence to show that the offense was a temporary aberration unlikely to recur, or the nature and pattern of the offense is such that it poses less of a risk to the community at large, the community notification level assigned may be lower than the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments.
* If the offender's current risk assessment data is at such variance with aspects of the official record (e.g., the alleged victim recanted, or the spouse or other witness admitted that the allegations were fabricated out of spite), the community notification level assigned may be lower than the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments.
* If the official documentation of the sex offense indicates that it was a statutory offense, without evidence of violence, coercion or a deviant attraction, and if there is not a pattern of illegal sexual behavior, the community notification level assigned may be lower than the recidivism risk suggested by the actuarial instruments.
Sex Offender Profile Report
A sex offender profile report will be written summarizing the important aspects of each record completed, indicating the level of community notification level assigned the offender, and providing recommendations for purposes of notification and monitoring.
At a minimum, a report should include:
* Identifying demographic information,
* Sexual offense conviction(s) and date as indicated on the Judgment and Commitment or Disposition,
* Brief synopsis (overview) of the sex crime,
* Prior (other) criminal convictions of a violent or sexual nature for which SOSRA has a judgment,
* Interview synopsis,
* A history of learning or intellectual problems,
* A history of mental illness or mental health treatment,
* Additional factors affecting community notification level,
* The assessed community notification level,
* High risk behaviors impacting supervision, and
* Signature line.
A Disclaimer should be placed at the end of the report identifying those individuals who have access to this information and the requirement for them to delete any identifying victim information if given to anyone other than law enforcement.
Offender Fact Sheet
The Offender Fact Sheet will include the following information:
* A recent photo of the offender/Date of Photo, if known
* Offender name
* Known aliases
* Social security number
* Fingerprint ID class/code
* SID#
* CSN#
* ADC#
* Driver's license number
* Date of birth
* Height
* Weight
* Race
* Identifying marks or scars
* Hair color
* Eye color
* Community notification level
* Date of DNA sample
* Anticipated legal address/Date Last Verified
* Temporary address (if applicable)
* Probation/Parole Office
* Place of employment
* Brief description of crime
* Criminal History/Sexual Violence
* Victim preference
* Factors most likely to affect community notification level
* Treatment history
Notification to the Offender
The offender will be notified by certified mail of the assessed community notification level and the notification guidelines. The notification will be mailed to the address provided to the Arkansas Crime Information Center for purposes of registration, unless there is a valid reason to deviate from this policy, i.e., the offender calls and has just updated his address, but it is not yet in ACIC.
Administrative Review
The offender's request for an administrative review must be made, in writing, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the assessment level notification sent to the offender by certified mail. The offender is responsible for delivery of the request for administrative review to SOSRA. The offender should send a written request for administrative review to P.O. Box 6209, Pine Bluff, AR 71611.
The offender must clearly state and support, with documentary evidence attached to the request, his/her basis for the administrative review. The following shall be considered as a basis for administrative review:
The administrative review is a review of the record only and is conducted by a member of the Sex Offender Assessment Committee. The offender has no right to a hearing in which he/she will appear and/or call witnesses.
Upon receipt of a request for an administrative review, the SOSRA administrator will forward the request and the record to the reviewing official. The reviewing official will review the record and may the case to the Sex Offender Assessment Committee for a vote as to whether the community notification level should be modified. If an administrative review cannot be completed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request for administrative review, the reviewing official shall notify the offender of the delay by regular mail. Once completed, the results of the administrative review will be forwarded to the offender by certified mail. Community notification will commence five (5) days after the postmark of the administrative review decision to the offender.
During the Administrative Review, law enforcement may make community notification only at the level immediately below the assessed community notification level upon which review has been requested. SOSRA will notify law enforcement of the conclusion and results of the administrative review at which time additional notification may be made by law enforcement based upon the results of the administrative review.
Judicial Review
Upon receipt of the findings of the administrative review, the offender has thirty (30) days to file a petition under the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act in Pulaski County Circuit Court or in the Circuit Court of the county in which the offender resides, requesting judicial review of the community notification level.
As part of the judicial review process, the Committee may ask the court to seal statements of victims, medical records, and other items that could place third parties at risk of harm.
Community notification will continue at the level determined by the Administrative Review during the pendancy of a judicial review. The community notification level will be adjusted pursuant to any change ordered by the court as a result of the judicial review process.
When notice of a judicial review is received, SOSRA will fax copies of the notice to the Attorney General's Office, and the Compliance Office.
Preparing the Record
SOSRA will use the following procedure when preparing the record for the judicial review:
* Copy each section as it is divided in the record,
* Number each page before it is copied,
* Remove duplicates, unless the duplicates have notes written on them or contain information not on the original document,
* Retain any duplicate documents in a manila folder marked "duplicates" in the original file,
* Make four (4) copies of the file,
* Bind copies in the same manner as the original record,
* Certify each copy as true and correct, and
* Provide three (3) copies of the file to the Attorney General's Office.
Notification
If a request for Administrative Review is not received within twenty (20) days after receipt of notification, the notification process will proceed. A copy of the Sex Offender Risk Assessment & Profile Report, Offender Fact Sheet, and the Notification Guidelines will be mailed to the Local Police Department, Local Sheriffs Department, Prosecuting Attorney, Department of Community Correction, the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC), and the Arkansas Parole Board (if the offender is incarcerated).
The law enforcement officer having jurisdiction over an offender shall review the notification guidelines and procedures, and the offender fact sheet. Prior to notification, the law enforcement agency should confirm the offender's location. Any discrepancies on the Offender Fact Sheet should be immediately brought to the attention of Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program: Phone (870) 850- 8429 or FAX: (870) 850-8446.
Local law enforcement agencies are permitted to perform notifications regarding sex offenders to members of the community.
Notification Guidelines
The notification guidelines indicate which segments of the community must be notified. Notification given to any individual or agency does not authorize that individual or agency to disseminate information beyond those residing with the individual, or beyond those who have a need to know within the agency.
The higher the community notification level assigned, the broader the notification that must be given. These notification guidelines apply to adult offenders. It is the responsibility of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer to interpret these guidelines and prepare a notification plan. Should circumstances change that may increase the offender's threat to the community, it is the responsibility of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer to modify the existing notification plan or request a reassessment.
Discretion must be used in applying the guidelines to any offender. The harm that may be caused by a particular notification must be weighed against the protection that would be afforded the public. For example, notifying the neighbors about a Level 1 or Level 2 incest offender may further victimize the offender's spouse and child if the offender's family is known to the community at large.
Level 1 / Low Community Notification
* The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, and other law enforcement agencies likely to encounter the offender. This may include state and federal law enforcement agencies, campus police, school safety officers, and the like.
* All adult members of the household where the offender is residing or intends to reside, unless the offender is residing or intends to reside in a residential treatment facility, group home, foster home, half-way house or other supervised living arrangement, in which case only the residence supervisor or foster parent should be notified.
* Victims or guardians of victims of adult offenders are notified through the VINE system operated by the Arkansas Department of Correction. Victims or guardians of victims of juvenile offenders should be notified by law enforcement.
Level 2 / Moderate Community Notification
* All parties specified in level 1 must be notified.
* The heads of agencies and organizations that serve individuals in the offender's target group must be notified. This may include, but is not limited to, schools, day care centers, community and youth groups, religious organizations, libraries, the Department of Human Services, women's organizations and shelters, park security, businesses frequented by children.
* Employers must be notified.
* State licensing boards will be notified as deemed appropriate by local law enforcement, when the person is licensed by the board.
* Individuals or heads of families with members within the offender's target group who are likely to encounter the offender, or live in the same neighborhood as the offender must be notified.
Level 3 / High Community Notification
* All of the entities and individuals listed for Levels 1 and 2 must be notified, unless to do so would cause harm to the victim(s).
* Notification must be made to any member of the community whom the offender is likely to encounter, based on the offender's prior history, recreational or religious interests, employment, or the characteristics of the offender's victims.
* Notification should be conducted face-to-face between law enforcement and citizens to the extent possible. Those likely to encounter the offender, including all neighbors, are to be given an Offender Fact Sheet and cautioned about the appropriate use of the information.
* Offender Fact Sheet information on offenders rated at Level 3 (high) or Level 4 (Sexually Violent Predator) will be available to the public on the ACIC web site (http://www.acic.org/).
Level 4 / Sexually Violent Predator
* All of the entities and individuals listed for Levels 1 through 3 must be notified.
* Notification of members of the general public in the vicinity of where the offender lives, travels and works should be done. It is preferable to notify these individuals in a face-to-face meeting, and to encourage assistance in monitoring the offender rather than instigating harassment, fear or hatred. However, open community meetings or meetings with neighborhood watch groups are also acceptable.
* Any individual having good reason may request an Offender Fact Sheet from the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Each individual given an Offender Fact Sheet must be advised that it is not for publication, but may only be used in accordance with the law and these guidelines.
* The media may also be used to conduct level 4 notification, if the Chief Law Enforcement Officer having jurisdiction deems it necessary to protect the community.
* Printed material, posters, and electronic media may be used to notify and inform the public in the most necessary and potentially dangerous situations.
* The Offender Fact Sheets of all Sexually Violent Predators will be available to the public on the ACIC website.
Re-Assessment
Adult offenders, classified Levels 1 through 3, may request reassessment five(5) years after the date of the most recent assessment. Reassessments will include a polygraph, voice stress analysis, or plethysmograph (measure of sexual interest examination), as deemed appropriate by the SOSRA. The cost of polygraph, voice stress analysis and/or plethysmograph examinations will be billed to the person being reassessed.
Reassessments of incarcerated individuals will include administration of a polygraph examination, voice stress analysis and/or plethysmograph (measure of sexual interest), as deemed necessary by SOSRA staff. The cost of these examinations will be borne by the Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program.
Reassessment may be requested by the Department of Community Correction, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, the court, the Arkansas Parole Board, or the Sex Offender Assessment Committee at any time, by submission of the Sex Offender Re-Assessment Form or a statement of reason to Sex Offender Assessment Program. The cost of any polygraph, voice stress analysis and/or plethysmograph examinations on referrals by law enforcement will be borne by the Sex Offender Assessment Committee. Forms for requesting reassessment are available from the ACIC web site or may be obtained from the Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program.
Refusal of, or non-compliance with, reassessment will result in a written notification to law enforcement in the area in which the offender resides, and to any supervising agency. Refusal or non-compliance will also result in the offender being assigned a default level 3 or a level 4, if enough information exists to determine that he/she fits the SVP criteria.
Offenders will be given two opportunities to appear for re-assessment. If they do not appear for either, they will be assigned a default level 3. If sufficient information exists to determine that the offender fits the SVP criteria the offender will be referred to the SOAC.
Termination of Requirement to Register
The offender whose offenses do not require lifetime registration and who has maintained registration for fifteen (15) years, may apply to the sentencing court for an order terminating the registration requirement. The termination procedure involves reassessment ordered by the court and an evidentiary hearing.
Offenders who have been convicted of (an) aggravated sexual offense(s), or who have been found to be Sexually Violent Predators are required to maintain lifelong registration.
Expungement of criminal convictions under the provisions of A.C.A. §§ 16-93-301 - 303 does not relieve an individual of the duty to register or reregister. The requirement to register due to a criminal conviction is relieved if the underlying conviction of the offender is reversed, vacated, or set aside, or if the offender is pardoned. The duty to register shall be relieved upon the receipt and verification by the Arkansas Crime Information Center of documentation from the court verifying the fact that the criminal conviction has been reversed, vacated, or set aside or from the Governor's office that the Governor has pardoned the offender.
Records
The Sex Offender Assessment Committee will maintain all documentation gathered and all assessments administered. Original documents will be maintained for at least one year, after which time case files may be digitally imaged and the original documents will be destroyed. If there is ongoing litigation that would necessitate the hard copy being maintained beyond one year, the files will not be digitally imaged until the resolution of the court proceedings.
Access to documents generated by the Sex Offender Assessment Committee may be granted to ACIC, and to any law enforcement agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
The offender may request copies of all reports generated and a list of all documents obtained from other agencies from the Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Program. A copy of the tape or video of the interview may also be requested.
The Sex Offender Assessment Committee will not provide copies of working notes, or of copywrited psychological tests that are restricted to licensed professionals. Copies of records generated by other agencies will not be released except under court order.
These documents are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Research
The assessment process will be the subject of ongoing research in an effort to develop an Arkansas specific actuarial tool and to improve the accuracy of the overall assessment process.
Access for the purpose of research must be requested in writing and is subject to approval by the Arkansas Department of Correction with recommendation by the Sex Offender Assessment Committee.
Immunity
Public officials, public employees, public agencies, and members of the Sex Offender Assessment Committee are immune from civil liability for good faith conduct under Act 989 of 1997, as amended.
Nothing in Act 989 shall be deemed to impose any liability upon, or give rise to a cause of action against, any public official, public employee, public agency, or member of the Sex Offender Assessment Committee for any discretionary decision to release relevant and necessary information, unless it is shown that the official, employee, agency or Committee member acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.
Sex Offender Registration Form
Sex Offender Screening and Risk Assessment
Consent Form
Arkansas Crime Information Center State Sex Offender Registry
Sex Offender Acknowledgement Form
Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Request for Re-assessment
004.00.07 Ark. Code R. 001