New sex offender rehab programme to launch this year

WESTERN BUREAU:

Retired Brigadier Radgh Mason, the commissioner of corrections, says a new rehabilitation programme for sex offenders, aimed at giving those individuals a chance to change their behaviour and making it easier for them to reintegrate into society, is set to launch this year.

Mason, who was speaking at last week’s opening of the Montego Bay Probation Office, said the new facility would be crucial in safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

“This office also plays an important role in supporting the Sex Offender Registry, which is a critical part of protecting vulnerable members of our communities,” he said.

The commissioner said the new programme, when launched, will take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, targeting all aspects of offenders’ behaviour.

“With respect to the programme I alluded to for our sex offenders, it looks at factors such as drug abuse, community influences, and lifestyle within their environments,” Mason told The Gleaner.

He explained that the initiative was developed in consultation with experts, social scientists, and international correctional institutions and that it would be primarily aimed at reducing the number of repeat offenders.

DESIGNED TO PREVENT RECIDIVISM

“The programme is designed for our sex offenders while in custody, and even after release, to help prevent recidivism,” said Mason. “This is an overarching mandate of corrections to ensure that our offender clients become better citizens.”

Mason added that the Department of Correctional Services would also provide psychosocial support, skills training, and stronger linkages with government agencies to aid offenders’ reintegration into society.

Meanwhile, Melissa Dobson, acting registrar of the Sex Offender Registry, confirmed that there are currently 502 individuals on the roll.

“While there have been many calls for the registry to be made public, that is a parliamentary decision,” said Dobson, in emphasising that access is limited to those with “legitimate interest” such as the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and organisations involved in counselling or adoption processes.

Established under the Sexual Offences Act of 2009 and operational since 2014, the registry requires individuals convicted of serious sexual offences – including rape, incest, sexual grooming of a child, and grievous sexual assault – to be registered and monitored.

While proponents argue that transparency can protect communities, critics warn that public access could fuel vigilantism and stigmatise rehabilitated offenders, leaving the debate far from settled.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com