DATE:
October 19, 2021
14
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
VERIFYING COMPLIANCE AND ENHANCING COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR PLACEMENT PROCESS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On May 4, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and County Counsel to review and research information concerning the processes and procedures involved in the public notification, placement and residency of Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) following their release from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH). On October 5, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed the CAO to communicate to DSH our opposition to further placements of SVPs in the County until state law is updated to provide local jurisdictions full participation, and veto authority, during the SVP release and placement process.
It is clear from the review and research conducted by County staff that immediate action can be taken locally to enhance the County's limited role in SVP placements while changes to state law are considered by state officials. This action involves formally engaging multiple County departments to closely review the release and placement proposals by DSH and its Conditional Release Program contractor (CONREP) to verify they comply with all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements before the courts decide on the placement location of an SVP. This compliance check can include a site visit to physically inspect the home prior to use. Our proposed multi-departmental approach will provide an opportunity for the County to play a more meaningful role in the SVP placement process by informing DSH, its CONREP, the District Attorney and the courts of any conflicts with state or local law and regulations with proposed placement sites. This will include action to ensure that SVPs whose last legal residence, or official domicile, was in another jurisdiction are not improperly released into San Diego County.
The County can also ...
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