Memorandum
Date: August 12, 2025
To: The Honorable Eddie Crandell, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Ray Buenaventura, Chief Public Defender
Subject: 9:30 A.M. - Consideration and Presentation of Public Defender Office Policy on Sex Offender Office Visits
Executive Summary:
This policy outlines procedures for safely interacting with registered sex offenders or individuals with a history of sexual assault, ensuring the safety of staff, clients, and the public.
**Key Procedures:**
1. **Registry Check:**
- Mandatory screening against the National and State Sex Offender Registry during initial client intake and periodic updates.
2. **Identification:**
- Registered sex offenders' details will be confidentially documented and accessible only to authorized personnel.
3. **Meeting Procedures:**
- **Restricted Locations:** In-person appointments cannot occur at the Lakeport Plaza.
- **Approved Locations:** Meetings will take place at the Lake County Courthouse or other secure, public locations without minors nearby.
- **Prohibited Locations:** Offices or areas where minors or vulnerable individuals are present.
4. **Attorney Protocol:**
- Attorneys must verify registry status before scheduling and can request alternative locations if uncomfortable.
5. **Safety Measures:**
- Meetings should occur during courthouse hours with security present; high-risk meetings may require additional safety precautions or virtual formats.
6. **Compliance:**
- All staff must adhere to the policy, report violations, and ensure annual reviews for effectiveness and compliance.
This policy promotes a safe environment while managing sensitive cases involving registered offenders.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
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Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
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Recommended Action: Presentation only.