Cheyenne O’Connor wants to see a change to the law, which currently means an offender’s time on the register begins on the date of their conviction. Her online petition has gathered around 500 signatures in 24 hours.
She said that notification requirements placed on sex offenders while they were in prison were ‘completely wasted’.
‘I just think it does not make any sense at all,’ she said. She added that many people did not know the details of the start and finish of notification.
In her petition, she said: ‘If a person convicted of a sexual offence against a child receives a three-year sentence it’s standard for them to be on the register for a minimum of five years, but that means just two years on the register once released, at which point they can apply to come off the register.
‘The register allows the courts to make orders restricting activities of people who are sexual predators or who may sexually exploit children and vulnerable people.
‘It also requires the chief of police and certain ministers to enter into an agreement setting out general arrangements that need to be put into effect to assess and manage persons who pose a risk of sexual harm.
‘Starting the register while inside seems futile. They are no danger to society while inside and do not require monitoring.’
Petitions which receive 1,000 signatures qualify for a ministerial response, but Ms O’Connor is hoping to reach the 5,000 signatures needed for a States debate. She said she wanted to speak to States Members and get some on board before any potential debate.
Jersey’s current legislation means those convicted of a sexual offence must notify the police of their details, including their name and address, and any change of address. The law allows the Home Affairs Minister to order offenders to tell authorities whether they are leaving Jersey and their travel plans.
It also means a court can make orders to prevent a convicted sex offender acting in a way that poses a threat of serious sexual harm to the public, including prohibiting a person from engaging in work or other activities relating to children.
