New York § 837-R - 837-ROffice of sex offender management

§ 837-R. 837-ROffice of sex offender management

§ 837-r. Office of sex offender management. 1. Establishment of office. There is hereby established within the division of criminal justice services the office of sex offender management, hereinafter in this section referred to as "the office." 2. Duties and responsibilities. The office, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, shall be responsible for policy matters relating to sex offenders and the management of their behavior. Its activities as to such matters shall include, but not be limited to: (a) Studying issues relating to management of sex offender behavior in consultation with experts, service providers and representative organizations in the field of sex offender management; (b) Serving as a clearinghouse for information and materials including lists of treatment providers and other community resources for sex offender management; (c) Advising the governor and the legislature on the most effective ways for state government to address issues of sex offender management; (d) Coordinating and recommending sex offender management policy and interagency initiatives including matters relating to risk assessment; provision of treatment; supervision policy; the use of videoconferencing and other tools to expedite hearings; the use of polygraphs, electronic monitoring, and other supervisory tools; the sharing of information among relevant agencies; residential issues; and other matters relating to re-entry and integration into society; (e) Developing recommendations as to standards, guidelines, best practices, and qualifications for sex offender assessment, treatment, and supervision; (f) Acting as an advocate for sex offense victims and programs and coordinating activities of other agencies with related functions; (g) Developing and implementing campaigns of public awareness, community outreach, and sex offense prevention; (h) Coordinating programs of training and education for law enforcement and treatment providers, judges, attorneys, and other professionals; and (i) Developing case management systems and other information technology to support state activities in the management of sex offender behavior. 3. Other state agencies shall provide cooperation and assistance to the office so as to assist it in the effective performance of its duties.