SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit has a new location with a new telephone number.
The unit is now located at the Sparks Police Department at 1707 East Prater Way. They can be contacted by calling 353-2244. Their fax number is 353-2488.
The Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit is a cooperative effort between the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Reno Police Department. The unit provides a coordinated effort in tracking, verifying residence, enforcing state sex offender laws, and ensuring compliance of all sex offenders in Washoe County. They maintain an online list of high-risk sex offenders (visit http://www.reno.gov/index.aspx?page=486 or www.reno.gov, select “police” from the drop-down department menu, click “crimes and criminals” and then select “sex offenders” for the online list).
The unit releases information pursuant to the Community Notification Statute (NRS 179D), which requires law enforcement agencies to inform the public of sex offenders who have been paroled, discharged, or who reside in the community. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is under the belief that an informed public is a safer public. Information available includes name, a photo if possible, date of birth, and a block or street address of residence.
Please note the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office have no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may or may not live. Unless Nevada Division of Parole and Probation restrictions exist, these offenders are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose.
