Sex offenders to be forced to handover passwords, codes to police in tough monitoring crackdown

Sex offenders will be forced to supply police with passwords and codes to their digital devices and apps as part of a sweeping reform to bring WA’s community protection laws into the 21st century. Amid a wave of technological change giving the chance to keep stored data secret, Police Minister Paul Papalia announced on Wednesday the update to the laws monitoring reportable sex offenders. Offenders who were under 18 when they committed crimes can apply to remove themselves from the register. WA will also align with other States by granting judicial discretion to determine if juveniles convicted of a reportable offence should be subjected to continuous reporting conditions. Statistics provided to The West Australian show that 345 of the almost 3000 offenders with reporting conditions were juveniles when they committed crimes. A further 513 committed an offence underage, but are no longer subject to reporting. In total more than 850 people will be able to apply under the new laws to be removed from the register of offenders. The updated legislation will grant police the authority to enter and inspect any premises inhabited by a serious reportable offender without a warrant, as well as to seize any electronic devices for examination. Sex offenders will be forced to supply relevant passwords, codes or information needed to access phones, computers and apps. Failure to hand over details will carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment. Offenders will also be required to update police on any unrestricted property access, financial accounts and online communication as well as changes to employment or vehicle use. A DNA sample will also be taken from any offender whose genetic code isn’t already stored on a forensic database. Mr Papalia said the changes would reduce the likelihood of repeat offences. “This legislation gives WA Police more power to monitor serious sex offenders and ensure they are obeying the strict conditions imposed on them to keep the community safe,” he said. “Reportable offenders will be required to tell officers if they have access to more than one vehicle or property, including storage sheds, which bank they use, and who they are communicating with. “These changes make WA laws more consistent with other Australian jurisdictions and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.”