Sharing or reproducing information published on this country’s sex offender registry website could land you in jail for three years.
The warning against misusing the website was issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Criminal Investigation Department and Criminal Records Office (CRO) Toolah Julien at yesterday’s police media briefing.
He said section 48 (4) of the Sexual Offences Act says: “Any person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification reproduces, shares or uses any information contained on this website, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for three years.”
Julien noted there’s a warning on the site, sexoffenders.gov.tt, also advising citizens against sharing the information posted on the site.
Currently there are 36 people listed on the website while the National Sex Offender Register, which is not accessible by the public, has 861 people
Julien explained convicted sex offenders are only placed on the site after police receive an order from the courts.
“On receipt of the order, the CRO conducts internal checks as it relates to the verification of the information of the sex offender to be placed on the website,” he said.
“Once these checks are completed and verified as accurate, a duly authorised person would enter the name, alias, date of birth, photograph, locality of address, and the conviction of the registrable offence committed by the registered sex offender including the date of conviction.”
Julien encouraged citizens to use the sex offender website for its intended purpose as it included safety and education tips.
“This information can be vital in assisting persons in protecting themselves and their loved ones as we strive to create a safer society,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Legal Officer, acting Seargeant Zaheer Ali urged citizens not to misuse the website.
They will. You can rest assured. And why? Because the state is allowing them to do it.
After all this time I’m still waiting for someone to tell me exactly how the registry is supposed to be “used for its intended purpose.”
And is it me or is it idiotic to publicly publish something and then tell people they’re not allowed to share it with others?
“ Don’t misuse the site and go out and harm a registrant or else……..well, nothing”
The can caution all they want, but that information is going to be misused
How is the info vital to protect the countries children, when most sex offenses happen by someone the victim knows? It’s pure hatred and they learned best from the United States.
“This information can be vital in assisting persons in protecting themselves and their loved ones as we strive to create a safer society,” he said.
Translation – “Live in fear!”
There is absolutely no way to protect yourself from anyone listed on the registry!
A drunk driver registry would be a lot more useful!