Police warn against sharing sex offender registry info

Police are warning the public that sharing information from the local sex offenders registry website can result in a three-year prison sentence.

Police legal officer Zaheer Ali issued the warning while speaking at the police’s weekly media briefing on May 27.

ASP Toolah Julien of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Criminal Records Office (CRO) explained the site, sexoffenders.gov.tt, is updated by the police on the orders of the judiciary.

“On receipt of the order, the CRO conducts its internal checks as it relates to the verification of the information of the sex offender to be placed on the website.

“Once these checks are completed and verified as accurate, a duly authorized 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.”

He added the site, which currently has just 36 people listed, should be used only for the sensitization of members of the public.

“There is a notice displayed in a conspicuous place on the website which warns persons of prosecution for the intentional and unlawful reproduction, sharing or use of the information contained in the website.”

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 twenty-five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for three years.”

Ali warned people against sharing screenshots of the information on the website to social media and community Whatsapp groups.

He said police only place the information online so that members of the public can be informed.

“It is important that members of the public not reproduce or take the information and put in on social media platforms or disseminate it in any other manner.

“Enjoy the access to the website but be responsible and observe the laws that govern that particular area.”

He said the all citizens have access to the website to keep themselves and their families safe.

Ali suggested if anyone violates the law, it can lead to a situation where the offender can report the person who shared the information.

“Once it comes to the police that the information was taken and disseminated in manner that was unauthorised, you will attract a criminal investigation and perhaps prosecution for that matter.”

He explained people who want to notify their community that a sex offender is living among them can share a link to the website, but not the person’s picture and personal details from the website.

Asked specifically about the two deportees who returned to TT on May 23 after being jailed in the US for sexual offences against children, Julien revealed the CRO has not yet received any orders to place them on the list.