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Whatcom County Sex Offenders
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The Bellingham Police Department is releasing the
following information pursuant to RCW 4.24.550 and the Washington State Supreme
Court decision in State vs. Ward, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to
inform the public of a sex offender released into their jurisdiction, when
individuals who appear on this Internet page have been convicted of sex
offenses that require registration with the local sheriff's office. Their
previous criminal history places him/her in a classification level which
reflects the potential to re-offend. The individuals listed on this page have
served the sentence imposed upon them by the courts and have advised the
sheriff's office that they will be living within the Bellingham city limits at
the addresses listed below. These offenders are classified upon release from
the Department of Corrections and again by the Bellingham Police Department
after they arrive in our jurisdiction. The listing of sex offenders is not
meant to increase alarm. It is the belief of law enforcement that an informed
public is a safer public. The Bellingham Police Department has no legal
authority to direct where a sex offender may or may not live. Unless court
ordered restrictions exist, these offenders are constitutionally free to live
wherever they choose. |
