RALEIGH – NC State Representative Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland) has been appointed to serve as on the House Select Committee on Sex Offender Issues. The appointment was made by Speaker of the House, Joe Hackney (D-Chatham).

The Committee consists of 10 members and will study sex offender issues in North Carolina.  In connection with this study, the Committee shall:

• Review the existing laws relating to sex offender issues in North Carolina and the level of consistency in sentencing of sex offenders.
• Study the various types of sex offenders by looking at different categories of sex offenders as defined by law enforcement, the courts, and the medical/treatment community.  Review current research and/or law enforcement data on reported cases of sex offenses.  Study differences, if any, between sex offenders within the victims' family or known to the victims and sex offenders who are strangers to the victims.
• Review data to evaluate statewide demographics of sex offenders (age, urban vs. rural communities, gender, and socioeconomic groups).
• Examine the reporting of sex offender crimes in relation to North Carolina ’s demographics. Review the process of how sex offender crimes are handled by city, county, and State law enforcement organizations and the judicial system.
• Examine improvements in our educational system, including discussing sex offense issues as a method of prevention and improving counseling and therapy practices.
• Study the trends of law enforcement, mental health, and school psychologists to reduce the potential for actual acts of sexual abuse.
• Review the plans for treatment and services for returning military personnel in terms of victims and sex offenders.
• Examine best practices to focus our resources and energy on the prevention of sex abuse -- to stop the cycle of the offender through intervention, therapy, and substance abuse treatment.
• Consider input from professionals on sex offender issues for discussion on the increases in sex offenses, solutions, and legal issues for the victim and offender including sentencing and treatment methodology.
• Review the scope of sex offender issues in other Southeastern states to examine the extent of the problem and the most successful practices in handling sex offender issues.
• Review the federal Adam Walsh Act of 2006, the requirements for compliance with the Act, and the opportunities for federal funding and technical assistance upon compliance, and discuss the best approach for North Carolina.