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Federal Sex Offender Mandate Too Costly For W.Va.
By: Associated Press
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West Virginia has opted to not comply with a federal sex offender registration law because of the cost.
The law calls for states to use a three-tier classification system. Offenders in the highest tier must appear at the appropriate agency at least four times a year to verify their information. Depending on their convictions, other offenders are required to appear once or twice a year.
In West Virginia, State Police troopers visit sex offenders unannounced at least once a year to verify their information.
Division of Justice and Community Services Director J. Norbert Federspiel said that the state's system is as effective as the federal requirements. He says there aren't enough troopers to conduct quarterly visits.
Thirty-four other states also aren't in compliance.