Governor creates task force for sex offender registry

Gov. Bob Holden announced Tuesday the creation of the Missouri Sex Offender Registration Task Force. The task force will study solutions for improving the current sex offender registration process in Missouri.

There are more than 9,000 registered sex offenders in Missouri as a result of legislation that requires anyone convicted of committing or attempting to commit certain sexual offenses as outlined in Chapter 566 of the state statutes to register with local authorities. This includes residents of other states who were convicted of those sexual offenses and later move to Missouri.

"Lapses in the sex registration process could lead to serious consequences for sex offense victims and our communities," the governor said. "This task force will endeavor to enhance public safety by increasing the availability of an accurate sex offender registry and promoting the prompt enforcement of registration violations. Through its efforts, the task force will increase the safety of all Missourians."

The task force consists of 11 members, four appointed by the governor. The members represent the coordinated effort needed by the Department of Corrections, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, victims rights advocates and legislative members to make improvements to the current process of registration.

The members include Grundy County Sheriff Greg Coon of Trenton; Charles Jackson of Jefferson City, director of the Department of Public Safety; Gary Kempker of Jefferson City, director of the Department of Corrections; Rob Livergood of St. Louis, assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County; Margaret Menefree of Wildwood, executive director of the St. Charles Regional Child Assessment Center Inc.; Col. Roger D. Stottlemyre of Jefferson City, superintendent of the patrol; and Donna White of Jefferson City, a member of the state parole board.