If a sex offender is so dangerous, why is (s)he allowed out in the community?

Most SVP's are sentenced to lengthy prison terms, although some SVP's can be released into the community on probation directly upon sentencing or on parole following incarceration and sex offense specific mental health treatment at the Department of Corrections. This may also mean that the SVP may be granted a work release as a condition of parole or probation. In determining an SVP's risk to the community, the court or parole board considers the professional recommendation of the probation officer or Department of Corrections manager, and the assessment of sex offense-specific mental health evaluators or treatment providers. If the SVP is determined to be manageable in the community, a recommendation may be made that he / she be supervised by probation or parole. In all cases, the court or parole board must make the determination regarding the placement of an SVP. The court or parole board makes the final determination regarding the SVP's release into the community. As a State, we do not imprison all sex offenders - 65% are released into the community, including those who are supervised by the criminal justice system through probation or parole. In Colorado, many SVP's will be subject to our Lifetime Supervision Law, which makes it easier to contain an offender if they demonstrate increased risk. In cases of other sex offenders who are not determined to be SVP's, many are convicted sex offenses with determinate sentences, meaning they have a time limit on their sentence. These offenders may complete their required period of supervision or be released into the community without probation or parole supervision. Most are required to register as a sex offender with law enforcement.

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1. Can I have a copy of the Registered Sex Offender List?
2. How would I know if my child has been sexually victimized?
3. If a sex offender is so dangerous, why is (s)he allowed out in the community?
4. Isn’t it just a matter of time before the SVP commits another crime?
5. Now that I know a sex offender lives in my community, what should I do differently to protect my family and myself?
6. What crimes designate someone as a sex offender?
7. What are the characteristics of a sex offender?
8. What are the laws in Colorado for sex offenders?
9. What do I tell my children about this SVP?
10. What is a sexually violent predator?
11. Who do I contact if I know a sex offender is out of compliance?
12. Why aren’t communities notified when other types of sex offenders are released?