Classification & Notification Limitations

Sex Offender Classifications

Sex offenders are classified based on the offender's likelihood of re-offense. The classifications and notification limitations are defined as follows.

Level 1: These offenders present the lowest possible risk to the community and their likelihood to re-offend is considered minimal. They normally have not exhibited predatory type characteristics and most have successfully participated or are participating in approved treatment programs. Many are first time offenders.

Notification: Monroe Police may disclose, upon request, relevant, necessary, and accurate information to any victim or witness to the offense and to any individual community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found. The community has to show a need to have this knowledge about the offender. Just a phone call wanting to know if any sex offenders live in the area is not a need to know. An inquiry showing the law enforcement agency that the offender is in fact acting out in the community becomes a need to know.

Level 2: These offenders present a moderate risk to the community and they have a higher likelihood of re-offending than the Level 1 offenders. They are considered a higher risk to re-offend, because of the nature of their previous crime(s) and lifestyle (drug and alcohol abuse and other criminal activity). Some have refused to participate or failed to complete approved treatment programs.

Notification: For offenders classified as Risk Level II, Monroe Police Department may disclose relevant, necessary, and accurate information to:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Child day care centers
• Family day care providers
• Businesses and organizations that serve primarily children, women, or vulnerable adults, neighbors and community groups near where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found

Level 3: These offenders pose a potential high risk to the community and are a threat to re-offend if provided the opportunity. Most have prior sex crime convictions as well as other criminal convictions. Their lifestyles and choices place them in this classification. Some have predatory characteristics and may seek out victims. They have refused or failed to complete approved treatment programs. Fewer than 3% of all registered sex offenders in Snohomish County are classified as Level 3 offenders.

Notification: For offenders classified as Risk Level III the Monroe Police Department may also disclose relevant, necessary, and accurate information to the PUBLIC AT LARGE. This includes informing everyone listed in the Level II release and the media to inform the public at large. This now includes the internet.

Homeless: This means that the offender lacks a fixed address. These offenders are required to report weekly and are required to provide information regarding where they stayed each day during the previous week. Some offenders register as homeless to avoid community notification. They also register as homeless so that law enforcement can't locate them.

You can help. If you are aware of a homeless offender living at a fixed address please notify your local law enforcement agency. Do not confront the offender yourself.