Implementation of sex offender registration within tribal jurisdiction.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (AWA) (Pub. L. 109-248, 42 U.S.C. § 16901, et seq) authorizes the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) to administer sex offender management grants. These grants assist state, local and tribal jurisdictions in developing and/or enhancing sex offender registration and notification programs that support substantial implementation of Title I of the AWA, known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA was enacted to protect the public from convicted sex offenders and offenders against children by establishing a comprehensive national system for the registration of those offenders.

In an effort to better inform tribal members of the whereabouts of sex offenders and to track and monitor sex offenders who are within Tribal boundaries, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma has opted to plan, develop and implement a SORNA compliant sex offender registry program within its jurisdiction. In terms of the general program design, implementation and operation, the Tribe plans to house the Tribe Sex Offender Registration and Notification Program within the Tribal Police Department. The Tribe intends to implement a SORNA compliant sex offender registration and notification program to identify and register all sex offenders currently residing, working, or going to school within the tribe's jurisdiction as well as enhance victim and community safety by improving jurisdictional collaborative efforts through sharing information of qualifying activity as established by the Law and Order Code.

ca/ncf