NCJA's fourth report

Working to minimise risk to the public of sex offenders in your community

THE Northern Community Justice Authority (NCJA) has today published its fourth detailed annual report which outlines how agencies effectively work together to minimise the risk to the public of sex offenders in the community.
The fundamental purpose of MAPPA is public protection and the reduction of serious harm. Offenders eligible for MAPPA are identified and information is gathered and shared about them across relevant agencies. The nature and level of the risk of harm they pose is assessed and a risk management plan is implemented to protect members of the public.
Chair of the Highlands and Islands Management Group (MAPPA) Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Anderson says: "The report highlights the arrangements and measures which are in place for working across agencies and boundaries, sharing information to identify, assess and manage the risks posed by offenders. We hope that the public will be reassured by the transparency of reporting on the significant work undertaken to protect communities."
DCI Anderson continued: "The management of offenders is a very complex and challenging area. Risk can never fully be eliminated, however MAPPA provides a framework within which all our agencies can work together to reduce the risks and protect the public. Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police in tandem with partner agencies take a proactive view towards the management of sexual offenders and maximise the use of existing legislation to ensure the greatest possible levels of public protection."
The officer went on: “It is also important to focus on victims as well as offenders. In all cases, previous and potential victims are identified within an offender’s Risk Management Plan and counter measures are taken by the responsible authorities to ensure victim safety. Victim’s views and feelings are regularly shared with the MAPPA group. Frequently extra conditions are added to post release licences to prohibit the offender from making any contact with victims, or even from going into specific areas where victims work or live.”
Detective Chief Inspector Anderson added: “Child protection is a top priority for all of us. A key achievement of the past year has been the roll out of the Community Disclosure Scheme which gives parents, carers and guardians the right to ask if a sex offender has access to their children.”
Consistently exceeded all national key performance targets within the Northern CJA, directly relating to multi agency public protection working.
MAPPA / GIRFEC Pilot –Very Occasionally young people commit sexual or violent offences so serious that they fit within the MAPPA. For these cases it is important that MAPPA has the advice and the expertise of members of the local Youth Action Teams (YAT). Within the H&I over the last year, the collaboration between MAPPA and YAT has been a significant and positive area of development.
Agencies in Aberdeen City have collaborated in the development of a ‘Community Risk Management Protocol’ in respect of young offenders and young persons who are giving serious concerns in the community. The protocol incorporates the arrangements for management of RSO’s under 18 years of age in the city and means by which they will be managed in an efficient and effective manner under MAPPA. The Aberdeenshire and Moray areas are actively considering this route to ensure MAPPA/Girfec interphase in the very small number of such cases that arise.
Quality Awards – The Highlands & Islands MAPPA team won the Highland Council’s prestigious award for their ‘Partnership working and joint service delivery’.
Training Programme (launch of basic MAPPA awareness/understanding website – Grampian area).
Comunity Disclosure Scheme (Insert Web link) A schemegiving parents, carers and guardians the right to ask if a sex offender has access to their children has be rolled out across the country. Following a successful pilot in Tayside earlier last year.
Multi Agency Hub. A Multi Agency team set up in Northern Constabulary Headquarters consisting of MAPPA co-ordination team, Offender Management Unit, Child protection Team, Housing SOLO and Lead child protection adviser from NHS Highland F
Further enquiries can be made at:
Community Disclosure Scheme - http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/c...er-disclosure/
Northern Constabulary Force Area - http://www.northern.police.uk/keepin...dren-safe.html
Grampian police - http://www.grampian.police.uk/
If you are not the intended recipient, you must not read, copy or disseminate the information or take any action in reliance on it and it would be appreciated if you would also notify the sender by reply email and then delete this email immediately.
All messages passing out of this gateway are checked for viruses but Northern Constabulary strongly recommends that you check for viruses using your own virus scanner as Northern Constabulary will not take responsibility for any damage caused as a result of virus infection.