Guest Ban Alerts – Active Warrant / Sex Offender Alert

Enhanced Database – Active Warrant / Sex Offender Alert

When using the Guest Ban ID scanning solution, there may be instances where a guest’s information raises potential concerns, such as matches with active warrants or the sex offender registry. It is critical to handle these situations with the utmost discretion, in accordance with legal requirements and your hotel’s policies. This guide outlines the procedures for addressing these alerts while maintaining professionalism and ensuring guest privacy.

Key Procedures for Addressing Alerts:

1. Discretion and Privacy:

• If a guest’s ID triggers an alert for an active warrant or sex offender status during check-in, it is important to proceed without confrontation. Many flagged issues result from outdated or incorrect information, so verifying the alert quietly and professionally helps avoid unnecessary distress or conflict.
• Complete the check-in process as normal, then take steps to verify the flagged information discreetly.

2. Verification:

• After the guest has been checked in, review the flagged information carefully. This involves cross-referencing the guest’s details with the information provided in the alert, and in some cases, using additional verification methods to confirm accuracy.
• Only after thorough verification should action be taken.

Handling Active Warrants

1. Law Enforcement Contact:
   • If a guest’s ID is flagged for an active warrant, your next step is to contact local law enforcement.
   • Provide law enforcement with the guest’s ID number and other relevant details. Law enforcement officials will decide on the appropriate course of action, which may involve coming to the property to address the situation.
   Important Note: Not all warrants are serious offenses. Active warrants could range from serious legal matters to simple unpaid parking tickets, child support, or minor infractions that the guest may have already addressed. This is why law enforcement verification is crucial.
2. Non-Confrontation:
   • Under no circumstances should hotel staff confront or detain the guest. Any interaction related to an active warrant should be handled exclusively by law enforcement to ensure legal compliance and everyone’s safety.
3. Hotel Policy Recommendations:
   • Establish a clear hotel policy on handling guests flagged with an active warrant. This may include:
     • Placing the guest under extra watch by management or security.
     • Ensuring that credit card authorizations are placed to cover potential charges.
     • Deciding whether to deny accommodation to the guest based on the severity of the warrant (as determined by law enforcement).

Handling Sex Offender Registry Matches

1. Policy Adherence:
   • If a guest is flagged as a registered sex offender, follow your hotel’s specific policies regarding how to manage such guests. Some hotels may have restrictions that prevent registered sex offenders from staying, while others may choose to implement additional monitoring or limitations.
2. State Registry Link:
   • Guest Ban will provide a direct link to the appropriate state government’s sex offender registry site. Use this link to access official and up-to-date information regarding the flagged guest.
3. Verification Steps:
   • Upon receiving a sex offender alert, compare the guest’s details (such as name, date of birth, physical description, and available photographs) with the information in the registry to confirm whether the flag is accurate.
   • If the information does not match or seems uncertain, proceed with caution. Continue following standard guest procedures until verification can be confirmed.
4. Action Based on Verification:
   • Only after confirming that the flagged information accurately corresponds to the guest should the hotel’s policies regarding registered sex offenders be implemented.
   • If the flag cannot be confirmed, err on the side of caution by treating the guest according to standard procedures until additional verification is obtained.
5. Privacy and Sensitivity:
   • Throughout the entire process, maintain the privacy and dignity of the guest. All verification activities should be conducted discreetly to avoid unnecessary embarrassment or distress. Whether the alert is verified or not, it is essential to treat the guest with professionalism.

Why Verification is Important:

Not all flags are serious or accurate. Warrants may have been resolved, or the flagged guest might be a victim of outdated information. Examples include:

• Minor Offenses: Some active warrants may be for minor infractions such as unpaid parking tickets or child support. These are not always indicators of serious criminal behavior.
• Errors and Outdated Information: There is always the possibility of incorrect matches. This is why it’s vital to verify the alert before taking further steps.

Hotel Policy Recommendations for Managing Alerts:

1. Extra Watch: For guests flagged by the system, consider placing them under additional observation by management or security during their stay.
2. Secure Authorizations: Ensure that proper credit card authorizations are placed to cover any potential costs or damages, especially if the guest is flagged for higher risk.
3. Denying Guest Accommodation: Depending on the nature of the warrant or offense, your property may choose to deny the guest accommodation. However, this should be done carefully, following your hotel’s policies and in compliance with local laws.