Predatory Offender Information

Community Notification Act

Since 1991, felony-level predatory offenders in Minnesota have been required to register their primary address with local law enforcement in accordance with Minnesota Statute 243.166. Additionally, the Minnesota Legislature passed a Community Notification Act in 1996 (Minnesota Stature 244.052) charging local law enforcement with the responsibility of informing the public about certain predatory offenders living in their community when that agency believes that the release of information will enhance public safety. The intent of the legislature was as follows:

...if members of the public are provided adequate notice and information about a sex offender who has been or is about to be released from custody and who lives or will live in or near their neighborhood, the community can develop constructive plans to prepare themselves and their children for the offender's release.

Read more about the Community Notification Act (PDF).

Risk Levels

The public risk posed by a predatory offender about to be released is assessed by experts on an End of Confinement Review Committee operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The committee assigns a risk level I to an offender whose risk assessment score indicates a low risk of reoffense, a risk level II to an offender with a moderate risk of reoffense, and a risk level III to an offender with a high risk of reoffense. Information about the offender is then sent to the law enforcement agency having primary jurisdiction over the area in which the offender plans to reside. The level of risk posed by the offender determines to whom law enforcement may disclose information.

Scope of Community Notification

  • Risk Level I: Law enforcement may notify other law enforcement agencies and any victims of or witnesses to the offense committed by the offender as well as to adult members of the offender's immediate household.
  • Risk Level II: In addition to risk level I notifications, law enforcement may also notify agencies and groups that the offender is likely to encounter for the purpose of securing those institutions and protecting individuals in their care while they are on or near the premises of those facilities, such as schools and day cares. Law enforcement may also notify individuals whom they believe are likely to be victimized by the offender.
  • Risk Level III: In addition to risk level II notifications, law enforcement may also notify other members of the community whom the offender is likely to encounter unless public safety would be compromised by the disclosure or that a more limited disclosure is necessary to protect the identity of the victim.

Current Risks

There are currently no Risk Level III Predatory Offenders within the city of Cottage Grove.