Registered Sex Offenders

Overview

Washington State recognizes 3 levels of sex offenders, ranked from level 1 (lowest) to level 3 (highest) depending on the risk they are deemed to pose to citizens. Law enforcement cannot legally direct where an offender may or may not live. Unless court-ordered restrictions exist, these offenders are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose.

By state law the sheriff's department in each county maintains the current information on all people who have registered as sexual offenders. Blaine police officers work with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to check on the accuracy of information provided by offenders. You can search information about sex offenders in Whatcom County through Offender Watch.

Levels of Offenders

Level 1 Sex Offenders

Washington State Law strictly limits public disclosure of all Level 1 Registered Sex Offender Information. Information is shared with other law enforcement agencies and, upon request, relevant, necessary and accurate information may be disclosed to any victim or witness to the offense and to any individual community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside or is regularly found. Level 1 offenders may not be made the subject of general public notification. You may contact the Blaine Police Department to receive specific information about Level 1 of the individuals if you do meet the legally mandated criteria in R.C.W. 4.24.550. For more information on sex offender laws and issues, please contact our office.

Level 2 Sex Offenders

Washington State Law prohibits the public disclosure of Level 2 Sex Offenders except under specific criteria. Level 2 notifications including relevant, necessary and accurate information may be disclosed to the public and private schools, child day care centers, family day care providers, business and organizations that serve primarily children, women or vulnerable adults, and neighbors and community groups near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside or is regularly found. Level 2 offenders may not be made the subject of general public notification.

Level 3 Sex Offenders

Washington State Law allows the notification about Level 3 Sex Offenders that include relevant, accurate, and necessary information. This information may be disclosed to the public at large.