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Senate Judiciary Committee hears David Birch for Sex Offender Management Board appointment
Summary
David Birch, a 28-year corrections professional with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections, introduced himself to the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee and described experience he says would qualify him for a seat on the Sex Offender Management Board; the committee did not vote on the appointment and will take it up at a later meeting.
Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee members took testimony on the appointment of David Birch to the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). Birch, who introduced himself to the committee as an Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections employee, outlined nearly three decades of experience in probation, supervision and corrections.
Birch said he has worked “just over 28 years” in the state justice system with both adolescent and adult populations. “During that time, I've been a probation officer and I've supervised individuals with ****** offenses, in the community, had opportunities to work and partner with treatment providers, evaluators, and, polygraphers,” he told the committee. He highlighted a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in management and leadership when asked about qualifications.
The candidate and committee members discussed the role of the SOMB. Birch described the board as “a regulatory board for evaluators, for treatment providers, and for polygraph examiners,” and said he views that oversight as important “because of the nature of who they're treating” and the need for high-quality providers. Senator Wintrow asked Birch to summarize the board’s duties and to highlight the skills he would bring; Birch reiterated experience working with judges, providers and supervision systems.
Senator Keiser asked whether Birch was familiar with the state’s “rider” program (a sentencing alternative discussed during the hearing). Birch replied that he was and described the program as “a great opportunity,” saying it can give judges information and allow some candidates to receive institutional treatment and demonstrate readiness for community supervision.
The committee did not hold a final vote on Birch’s appointment during the session. The chair said votes on appointments are taken at a subsequent meeting and that the committee will consider Birch’s appointment at that time.
