Date: 03/13/2015
Final
Briefing by the Sex Offender Management Board
COMMITTEE ON JOINT JUDICIARY
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07:36 AM -- Briefing by the Sex Offender Management Board
Ms. Jeanne Smith, Director, Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety, and Mr. Chris Lobanov-Rostovsky, Program Director for the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), briefed the committee on the board's annual legislative report pursuant to Section 16-11.7-109 (2), Colorado Revised Statutes. The briefing was a continuation of the SOMB's briefing to the joint committee that was initiated on February 17. Committee members received an executive summary of the legislative report, prepared by the SOMB (Attachment A). Ms. Smith provided an overview of the SOMB and its duties, as well as the population it manages. Ms. Smith discussed the process by which the offender population is selected for treatment under the auspices of the SOMB, and certain restrictions attendant to the best practices and treatment evaluation process. Ms. Smith and Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky responded to questions regarding the termination of employment of sex offender treatment providers by the board, and the sanctions available to the board for treatment providers. Ms. Smith responded to further questions regarding the potential benefits of augmenting the board's available sanctions through statute.
15JtJud0331AttachA.pdf
07:48 AM
Ms. Smith responded to questions regarding the tracking of complaints against treatment providers operating under the SOMB's purview, and the evaluation system for treatment providers. Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky provided input on this last issue. Discussion ensued regarding the process by which sex offender treatment providers are listed by the SOMB, and options available to offenders undergoing treatment for choosing providers. Discussion followed regarding the nature of the treatment provided to sex offenders, and the ability of offenders to provide input in the treatment process.
08:00 AM
Ms. Smith responded to questions regarding the ability of sex offenders to waive privacy protections during their treatment, and the recidivism rate associated with those who undergo sex offender treatment. Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky briefed the committee on efforts undertaken by the SOMB to respond to feedback received from stakeholders and decision-makers, including specific initiatives undertaken to address concerns.
08:14 AM
Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky continued to brief the committee on efforts undertaken to address certain concerns. Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky responded to questions regarding how best to ensure that sex offender treatment providers are adhering to treatment guidelines, and the adherence by treatment providers to the risk assessment measurement process. Ms. Smith provided input on this issue. Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky provided an overview of the policy-related initiatives outlined in the SOMB legislative report, as well as the board's processes for systemic improvement.
08:32 AM
Discussion ensued regarding the victim perspective in the sex offender management process. The following persons testified regarding the SOMB and its briefing:
08:35 AM -- Ms. Allison Boyd, representing the First Judicial District, testified about the impact of sexual offenses on victims, and the quality of treatment provided to sex offenders as it pertains to victims. She discussed potential risks associated with sex offense treatment that may create public safety issues. Discussion ensued regarding certain legislative suggestions made by Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky.
08:40 AM -- Ms. Cathy Burds, representing Positive Impact LLC, testified regarding accountability in the sex offender management process.
08:41 AM -- Ms. Laurie Rose Kepros, representing the Office of the State Public Defender and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified regarding policy recommendations in the SOMB's legislative report associated with sex offender registration, and the use of polygraph. Ms. Kepros responded to questions regarding how best to measure the performance of sex offender management treatment providers.
08:47 AM -- Ms. Brie Akins, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, discussed the rate at which the crime of rape is committed and subsequent incarceration rates. She discussed the role of the SOMB in holding offenders accountable, and the importance of considering the victim in the process. Discussion ensued regarding the use of polygraph on offenders.
08:50 AM -- Ms. Susan Walker, representing the Coalition for Sexual Offense Restoration, provided input on the use of polygraph in the sex offender management process, and the impact of treatment on offender behavior. Ms. Walker also discussed tools used to evaluate potentially sexually violent predators.
08:55 AM -- Mr. Jeff Jeans, representing himself, testified regarding the use of polygraph in the sex offender management process.
09:00 AM
The committee adjourned.