By: Marlene Freeman

The Public Defender has launched an investigation into Jamaica’s Sexual Offenders Registry.

Public defender Carolyn Reid Cameron says the investigation will look into the operation and effectiveness of Jamaica’s Sexual Offenders Registry.

The probe was launched based on section 15 of the Public Defender Act and follows growing public concern about the registry’s transparency, accessibility, and its ability to safeguard vulnerable groups—particularly women and children.

Mrs. Reid Cameron emphasizes that the office has a duty to ensure that laws and public systems function as intended, without infringing on the constitutional rights of Jamaicans.

According to her, this is not just a review of procedures, but  a holistic examination of how public safety tools must align with the constitution

Access to the registry is limited to law enforcement, designated employers, and persons with a proven “legitimate interest.

The office reveals that recent tragic incidents have prompted renewed scrutiny of whether such restrictions are achieving the registry’s intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer at the Office of the Public Defender Shannon Bailey says the investigation will focus on three core areas including statutory compliance .

The Public Defenders Office says both the Commissioner of Corrections and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice have been formally notified and are expected to support the inquiry.

The investigation has started and will culminate in a final report that will be tabled in Parliament and made available to the public—subject to appropriate redactions for confidentiality and security.