Process Overview
Public Safety Role
Pennsylvania's sex offender registration statute establishes the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB). According to the statute, the Board must be comprised of psychologists, psychiatrists and criminal justice officials, who are experts in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. Board members are appointed by the Governor and are supported by a full-time staff. The SOAB assessment process is initiated when the sentencing court submits an order to the SOAB. Pennsylvania law requires that after a conviction for a sexually violent offense, but prior to sentencing, the court shall order the individual to be assessed by the Board to determine if the individual meets the legal criteria to be designated a sexually violent predator.
The SOAB process includes: