Criminal History

Sometimes while doing an internet search in trying to locate an inactive member who has reportedly moved out of the ward, I come across information of the person being in jail or of recent and pending criminal prosecution. Assuming they are still in the Ward, do I have a responsibility to report this information to the Bishop? What about for those persons with a sex offender status, is the policy any different?

I would think you should let the bishop know what you have found and ask for instructions regarding the membership record.

The bishop, in consulting with the stake president, may decide that an annotation should be added to the record.

For someone in prison, the bishop will be able to determine if the record should remain in the ward or if it should be sent to a ward or branch better able to meet the needs of the member involved, based on the location of the correctional facility.

But I would let the bishop know, and then defer to his judgment with regard to any action concerning the membership record.

lajackson wrote:For someone in prison, the bishop will be able to determine if the record should remain in the ward or if it should be sent to a ward or branch better able to meet the needs of the member involved, based on the location of the correctional facility.

I believe the "three month rule" still applies: The record should be moved if the person will be there for 3 months or more. (I'd add that I believe that's 3 months from "today", not "has been there longer than 3 months but comes back next month".) See Handbook 1: 13.6.4.

russellhltn wrote:I believe the "three month rule" still applies:

I think all of the rules apply. There are good instructions in the Handbook regarding membership records for members who are in detention facilities. I would read and follow them, under the direction of the bishop.