An increased presence of law enforcement in the area last Thursday had onlookers wondering what was going on, but rest assured — it was only a compliance check.
The compliance check is happening nationwide, to verify that registered sex offenders are meeting certain requirements, said Det. Jake Beach of the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.
Beach helped to coordinate the local portion of the check and indicated that 20 of 26 registered sex offenders in unincorporated Archuleta County were verified on Thursday.
Since, three others have been verified, Beach said Tuesday.
Several area agencies were cross-deputized under the U.S. Marshals Service to avoid jurisdictional issues. The Town of Pagosa Springs did not participate in Thursday’s check.
Beach said 25-30 officers participated in the local portion of the compliance check and split into several groups.
The Archuleta County check was completed at about 11:30 a.m. the same day.
Beach added that there is no violation for not being verified during the check.
Det. Lando Garcia said the ACSO routinely performs verifications of registered sex offenders in Archuleta County.
The U.S. Marshals Service Durango Office failed to return messages seeking information by press time Wednesday.
randi@pagosasun.com
