ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a risk assessment of all sex offenders in Minnesota’s restrictive civil confinement program to determine which can be put on a pathway for release.
Judge Donovan Frank on Thursday, October 29, 2015 laid out what he says must be done to fix problems with indefinite detentions that he earlier ruled unconstitutional. Frank’s decision undoubtedly sets the stage for an appeal by state officials and lawyers, who argue they are properly holding more than 700 offenders they consider too risky to free.
Frank’s ruling sets a swift timetable for state officials to carry out the review and start transferring lower-risk offenders. He says he could order further changes later.
Offenders in a pair of secure treatment facilities are sent there after they complete their criminal punishments.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Spartan Echo 