OffenderWatch program tracks sex offenders

As of Jan. 30, there are 41 registered sex offenders living within the city, said Det. Mike Burns of the Maricopa Police Department.

“It’s important to note the different classifications and categorizations of these sex offenders,” Burns said.

Offenders are tracked by MPD using OffenderWatch, a computer database giving the police department access to national, state and other databases.

Sex offenders in Arizona are classified into four groups, ranked from level 0 to level 3 offenders.

“A level 0 is someone who’s just required to register; they’re the lowest risk,” Burns said. “Or they fall outside the parameter of mandatory reporting requirements.”

There were six level 0 offenders in Maricopa, Burns said.

Level 1 offenders are required to report to the police once a year and notify law enforcement of any address change. These offenders, Burns said, are a “low risk” for recidivism. There are 23 at this level in Maricopa.

There are six level 2 offenders – a medium risk for recidivism – and six high risk, or level 3, offenders.

In Arizona, neighbors of a level 3 sex offender are notified of one living nearby as well as community organizations that deal with children.

The police department also tracks incarcerated offenders with a last known address in Maricopa, of which there is one, a level 3 offender.
Absconders, or offenders who fail to register or disappear, also are sought using a national database. Police are seeking one level 2 absconder.

Some sex offenders are prohibited from living near schools or other places where children congregate.

An offender’s classification is based on their likelihood of recidivism as assessed by a 19-point oral interview during which the offender is asked about the following:

• Number of sex/sex related convictions and offenses
• Number of felony convictions (excluding sex/sex related offenses)
• Other arrests not resulting in conviction
• Age at first conviction
• Use of weapon in sex/sex related conviction(s)
• Number and gender of victim(s)
• Relationship of offender to victim
• Use of force
• Alcohol/drug use
• Employment history
• Deviant behavior that causes significant distress or impairment regarding social, occupational or other areas of functioning
• Discipline history in prison
• Counseling/treatment history

When sex offenders move to Maricopa from out of state, Burns generally conducts the oral interview.

When it comes to sex offenders in the area, “awareness is key.”

He urged concerned residents to educate themselves about the offender, their level, when they were convicted and what for, and to be vigilant.

“Seek out the information,” Burns said.