October 18, 1996
(Justice)

Government approves protocol for release of high risk offender information

Chris Decker, Minister of Justice, announced today that government has approved the Release of High Risk Offender Information Protocol which will allow the release of high risk adult offender-related information to the public. Mr. Decker said the Protocol achieves the optimal balance between privacy of an offender and protection of society. The Protocol comes in response to public support for a process of community notification to permit the public to be advised upon the release of a high-risk adult offender.

"The internal administrative Protocol is a significant policy change in our justice system. It will ensure that community notification will only occur in carefully defined circumstances," said the minister. "These circumstances will take into account the offender's right to privacy, the goals of rehabilitation and reintegration, and the community interest in safety and security."

The Protocol will apply to all adult offenders who have completed a term of imprisonment and whose presence in the community will generate a reasonable apprehension of harm. If an offender is classified as "high- risk", an appropriate policing agency may refer the case to a central provincial Community Notification Advisory Committee, composed of representatives of the justice system, the police, public prosecutions, the medical community and the public. After considering all aspects of the case, the committee will issue a recommendation to the appropriate police force with respect to the necessity for, and the means, scope and duration of notification.

The role of the committee is advisory in nature such that its recommendations can be accepted, rejected or modified by the chief or commanding officer of the police.

The new Release of High Risk Offender Information Protocol is consistent with the Provincial Strategy Against Violence and with other existing protocols on government information-sharing between the Departments of Justice, Health and Social Services.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Protocol for release of high risk offender-related information is similar to that of Manitoba. Public consensus on community notification has prompted a review of law and policy not only in Newfoundland, but across Canada.

Contact: Karen McCarthy, Director of Communications, 729-0110.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A copy of Release of High Risk Offender Information Protocol is available by contacting the Communications and Consultation Branch at (709) 729-3610 or on the government's Internet home page at: /just/protocol.htm