Yellowknife (Dec 22/04) - Sex offenders in the NWT could be required to register with a new national database designed to give police quick access to their personal information.

"I am really glad we are putting citizens first," said Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins, a vocal proponent of the legislation.

The National Sex Offender Registry came into effect last Wednesday, eight months after officially being approved by Parliament.

The centrepiece of the federal legislation is a nationwide electronic list of sex offenders, which will be maintained by the RCMP.

In certain circumstances, courts can order people convicted of sex crimes to register their address and other personal information with the databank.

"This information will not be made public, but it will give us the information we need to quickly investigate offences," said RCMP superintendent Pat McCloskey in a written statement.

Offenders can remain on the registry for anywhere from 10 years to life, depending on the severity of their crime.

The territorial Department of Justice can also request to have serving prisoners included on the list.

Sex offenders who have served their sentence cannot be forced to register retroactively.

"I am pleased we will now have a national registration system that provides police with access to current and reliable information to investigate sexual offences," said Justice Minister Charles Dent.