The public has been warned about sharing information from the public sex offenders’ website.
Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Criminal Records Office, Toolah Julien, explained that reproducing any information from the public sex offenders’ website, whether formally or informally, is a criminal offence.
“Any person who intentionally and without lawful cause or justification or excuse, reproduces, shares or uses any information contained on the website commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for three years.”
Currently, there are 36 registered sex offenders on the public sex offenders’ website, while 861 are registered on the National Sex Offenders’ website.
TTPS Legal Officer, Inspector Zaheer Ali, said if it is found that persons do not adhere to the law, they open themselves up to serious legal ramifications, including an investigation and prosecution.
He outlined how this can be reported to the police: “We are asking you to report that matter immediately to the designated officers, and the designated officers are officers who are of the rank of sergeant or above in the respective station, in the respective divisions, and they will conduct the necessary inquiries to determine whether in fact there’s any criminal conduct that is unfolding with reference to the information they receive.”