Matthew

What does your day-to-day look like?

I process yearly registrations for registered sex offenders within Newfoundland and Labrador, and I do up police files to send out yearly address checks to ensure the offenders are still living at the same addresses.

We also do files for offenders who are non-compliant with their reporting obligations for addresses, vehicles, or any other information falling under the Sex Offender Registration Act obligations. Finally, I answer the phones and collect information from the offenders and vet their information.

How did you get started in this role?

I did a Youth Employment Strategy Program via the YMCA. It was a federal initiative, and I started in the Health Services Unit as an office assistant in the doctor’s office we have here. I worked in accounting for a few more months, and after my contract ended, I went to the Operational Communication Center, where I was a dispatcher for 15 years. The shift to a desk job was really nice. I enjoy my work; I take it very seriously but we still have fun.

How big is your team?

There are three people. We’re a joint forces operation with the local police force and the provincial police force. An RCMP corporal is the provincial coordinator. The co-coordinator is a constable from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and then myself, I’m with the RCMP side of things.

How does your job affect regular Canadians?

We assist front line officers. When there is an investigation of sex crimes, we perform tactical queries for them via our database. This is why the information is collected. We keep track of where offenders might be traveling, where they are, who’s in a certain area at certain time frames, in case there is a sex crime committed. This is sort of a two-pronged approach, where we also liaise with and ensure the offenders keep up with their reporting obligations. We’re proactively helping to protect Canadians.