[Adopted 11-22-2011 by L.L. No. 1-2012]
A.Â
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that the County of Suffolk
operates numerous parks throughout the County where individuals and
families come to vacation and recreate. Many of the County's parks
include campsites available for overnight use which are frequented
by families with children. This Legislature further finds and determines
that sex offenders in New York State are required, under the Sex Offender
Registration Act ("SORA"), to provide their permanent residence address
to the State Division of Criminal Justice Services. This Legislature
also finds that registered sex offenders are not required to notify
law enforcement of their status when visiting an area. This Legislature
finds that, to ensure the safety of all campers on County park property,
registered sex offenders should inform Suffolk County Park Police
of their sex offender status at the time they check in at a County
campsite.
B.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this Part 5 is to require registered sex
offenders to notify Suffolk County Park Police of their sex offender
status upon check-in at an overnight facility on County parkland.
As used in this Part 5, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A person who has been classified as a Level 2 or Level 3
sex offender and who is required to register with the New York State
Division of Criminal Justice Services, or other agency having jurisdiction,
pursuant to the provisions of Article 6-C of the New York Correction
Law.
Any registered sex offender who reserves space or stays overnight
in a Suffolk County park campground shall report his or her sex offender
status to the Suffolk County Park Police prior to or at the time of
his or her arrival at the campground. The sex offender shall also
notify the Park Police of the scheduled duration of his or her stay
at the campground.
Any intentional violation of this Part 5 shall constitute a
criminal violation punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.
This Part 5 shall apply to all actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this Part 5.
