Introduction
After a decision has been made to notify, the process of undertaking the notification will need to be planned. This includes deciding:
- when notification will be made.
- what information will be disclosed during notification.
- who will be notified.
Note: All planning tasks that are completed must be recorded on the CSO11 CSO Notification Assessment/Planning tool.
Responsibility
The area manager is responsible for the notification process including planning and carrying out the notification.
If notification is delegated to an experienced service manager, the area manager is responsible for ensuring the service manager has the skills and knowledge to carry out the notification successfully.
Note: The regional manager must be notified about any notification that is being planned.
Liaison with the offender
Notification and consent should be canvassed with the offender before the notification takes place. Discussion should also include strategies to deal with potential adverse reaction following the notification. This should identifying possible alternative accommodation and what the offender could say if confronted by neighbours.
The CSO12 CSO Notification Offender Consent form must be used to record offender consent. However, the offender does not have to consent for notification to take place.
After discussion with the offender a letter should be sent to the offender confirming the discussion and details about when notification will take place.
Alternative accommodation
The notification plan should include emergency accommodation in the event that the offender is unable to remain at their address after notification. This could include accommodation that is provided by:
- the offender.
- the Department.
How to notify
Notification should be done face-to-face; it should not be made by telephone or through leaflet drops, letters, posters or newspaper articles.
Timing of notification
Notification should take place after the address has been confirmed and as close to date of occupancy as possible.
The possible consequences of the timing of carrying out notification need to be considered (e.g. notifying too early before the offender moves in may affect the other occupants of the offender’s address).
Who to notify
As a general rule, affected neighbours should be identified as neighbours:
- who border the offenders address.
- where the offender can observe movement.
As children may be present at any address at any time, all affected neighbours must be notified whether or not there is evidence that children reside there.
Notification of specified individuals
As well as affected neighbours, other specific individuals may need to be notified:
- mayors (for high risk/high profile offenders only).
- school/pre-school/Kohanga Reo principals where the offender’s address is near a school and the offender is considered to pose a risk to children at that school.
Liaison with the police
Staff should approach local police and engage them in the notification process.
Discussion with the police should include:
- any notification they are considering/carrying out.
- any issues specific to the area/ affected neighbours.
- any issues specific to the offender.
- agreement on when notification will occur.
- any further involvement, such as police attendance at the notification.
