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Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender Registry was established under the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, 2009, and became operational in July 2014. Its operation is governed by the Sexual Offences (Registration of Sex Offenders) Regulations, 2012. The Registry is managed by the Commissioner of Corrections and is currently located at 12–14 Lockett Avenue, Kingston Gardens, Kingston 4.

The Registry is responsible for:

  • Maintaining the Sex Offender Register;
  • Administering the operations of Registration Centres across Jamaica.

Registration System

Jamaica uses an offence-based registration system, which mandates that sex offenders convicted of specified offences be registered. This system is not based on risk assessment or sentence length, and therefore may not reflect the offender's level of dangerousness.

Who Must Be Registered?
Individuals convicted (and not exempted) of any of the specified offences under  the following Acts must be registered:

  • The Sexual Offences Act
  • The Offences Against the Person Act
  • The Child Care and Protection Act
  • The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act

Examples of specified offences include:

  • Incest, rape, marital rape
  • Sexual grooming or intercourse with a minor
  • Indecent assault, grievous sexual assault
  • Living on the earnings of prostitution
  • Abduction or detention for sexual purposes
  • Offences under Sections 76, 77, and 79 of the Offences Against the Person Act
  • Sexual exploitation or trafficking of children

Registered offenders are monitored for a minimum of 10 years before they are eligible to apply for removal from the Register.

Reporting Obligations of Sex Offenders

Sex offenders are required to report to the Registration Centre serving their parish in the following instances:

  • Within 3 days of sentencing, if not held in custody
  • Within 3 days of release from custody (e.g., parole)
  • Within 14 days of:
    o Changing main or secondary residence
    o Changing legal name
  • At least once every 11–12 months from the last visit
  • Before leaving Jamaica or residing elsewhere for 14 or more consecutive days
  • Upon return to their primary residence (within 14 days of return)

A ‘Notice on Absence of Sex Offender‘ form must be submitted in person for travel or long absences.

Removal from the Register

After 10 years, a sex offender may become eligible for the termination of registration and reporting requirements. The process is as follows:

  • A Judge in Chambers reviews the application upon expiry of the original registration period.
  • The judge may either:
    1. Terminate the requirements; or
    2. Extend them (with or without changes) for up to another 10 years.

Further applications for termination can only be made if the initial 10-year period has been extended or varied.

Penalties for Breaches

Failure to comply with the reporting and notification requirements constitutes an offence under the Sexual Offences Act, 2009. Penalties include:

  • A fine up to JMD 1,000,000
  • Imprisonment for up to 12 months
  • Or both fine and imprisonment

Access to Information

The Registry and Register are strictly confidential. Access is restricted to authorised individuals or organisations with a legitimate interest, including:

  • Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force
  • Counsellors and professionals providing treatment to sex offenders
  • Employers and managers of educational or care facilities for vulnerable persons
  • Parents, guardians, or caregivers of vulnerable individuals
  • Individuals or bodies granted access for statistical purposes by the Minister

Applications must be made in writing to:

  • The Commissioner of Corrections, Department of Correctional Services, 5–7 King Street, Kingston, or
  • The Registrar, Sex Offender Registry, 12–14 Lockett Avenue, Kingston 4

Registration Centres

Each parish in Jamaica has a designated Sex Offender Registry Registration Centre, except Kingston and St. Andrew, which share a joint centre. These centres are typically housed within Probation Offices, and are equipped to handle:

  • Registration
  • Reporting and notification
  • Information submission and updates

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