RCMP launches High Risk Child Sex Offender Database, listing only nine names
A new RCMP database meant to track high-risk child sex offenders went “live” this week, but so far, it only lists nine individuals across two provinces.
A new RCMP database meant to track high-risk child sex offenders went “live” this week, but so far, it only lists nine individuals across two provinces.
The RCMP unveiled the database this week, touting it as the first publicly accessible, national repository of people convicted of sexual offences against children and deemed at high risk of reoffending.
The database is administered by the RCMP under federal legislation that came into force on December 31, 2024.
The High Risk Child Sex Offender Database Act requires the RCMP to rely on provincial, territorial and municipal authorities to identify and submit names of high-risk offenders for inclusion.
The RCMP emphasizes the database only contains information already made public by other police services or authorities. It will rely on provinces and territories to submit their own candidates for the list.
The RCMP says it has committed to continuing work with provincial partners to update and expand the database, with entries to be reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy.
As of now, however, the national scope of the tool, launched amid broad federal efforts to tackle sexual offending, remains notably narrow in practice, with only nine names across two provinces listed in a country of roughly 40 million people.