Predatory Offenders

Stay Safe and Informed

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office is committed to keeping our community safe and informed. Minnesota law allows the Sheriff's Office to provide its community with the kind of information it needs to make good decisions regarding the safety and welfare of its citizens and their children. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office will release information according to Minnesota Statute 244.052, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a predatory offender's release from prison or a secure treatment facility when that agency believes that the release of information will enhance public safety. 

The predatory offender is required, by law, to register with local authorities and to keep authorities apprised of any subsequent changes in residence. 

Compliance Checks

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office conducts compliance checks on predatory offenders living within our jurisdiction. Investigations are conducted on those offenders found to be non-compliant as defined by Minnesota statute, with criminal prosecution pursued through the Crow Wing County Attorney's Office. 

Predatory Offender Levels

There are three levels of predatory offenders. Each level has specific laws which govern what information may be given to the public. Notification for the three levels is as follows:

Level I Offenders

The law enforcement agency may maintain information about the offender within the agency. The agency may disclose this information to:

• Other law enforcement agencies
• Any victims or witnesses to the offense committed by the offender

The agency must disclose this information to:

• Victims of the offense who have requested disclosure
• Adult members of the offender's immediate household

Level II Offenders

The law enforcement agency may disclose the same information as Level I Offenders as well as:

• Agencies and groups the offender is likely to encounter. These agencies and groups include the staff members of public and private educational institutions, daycare establishments, and establishments and organizations that primarily serve individuals likely to be victimized by the offender. This notification aims to secure these institutions and protect individuals in the care of these institutions while they are on or near the institution's premises.
• Individuals the agency believes are likely to be victimized by the offender based on the offender's pattern of offending or victim preference. 

Level III Offenders

The law enforcement agency must disclose the information to:

• The persons and entities who may receive notice about Level I and II Offenders. 
• Entities that primarily educate or serve children, and the offender is participating in programs offered by the facility that require or allow the person to interact with children, the entity must notify the parents with children at the facility.
• Other community members whom the offender is likely to encounter unless the agency determines that the disclosure would compromise public safety or that a more limited disclosure is necessary to protect the victim's identity. 

When a Level III Offender moves into a community, law enforcement typically holds a community meeting to provide information about the offender. The offender may not attend the meeting.