If you’re worried that someone might be a sexual risk to children, there are several ways that the government and criminal justice system use to keep the public safe and give them information.
What is the sex offender register?
The sex offenders register contains information about the individuals cautioned, convicted, or released from prison for a sexual offence against children or adults since 1997.
- The person must register with the police within 72 hours of their caution, conviction or release from prison.
- They must provide personal details including name, date of birth, home address, national insurance number, passport details, and bank details.
- The time spent on the sex offender register varies, with a few remaining on it for life.
The register is not public but in certain circumstances there are ways to find out if someone is on it
How are people on the register managed?
A small number are thought to be of high risk of serious harm, and that risk is managed by the police in discussion with social services, housing, health services and others. This is known as MAPPA (the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements).
MAPPA is a system where information is shared between agencies to develop a risk management plan and ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to keep people safe. Each area has a MAPPA group who decide on the best way to manage any risk posed by a registered sex offender.
Legal and responsible management
Police and partners have a legal responsibility under MAPPA / PPANI to manage all registered sex offenders living in communities. This is achieved by working together to assess the risk posed by each individual and forming a plan to manage any identified risk. This may include measures of support which provide a level of stability, which in turn reduces risk.
As a result, the vast majority of registered sex offenders do not present a high risk of serious sexual harm and their sexual re-offending rate is extremely low – significantly lower in comparison to other types of offenders.
With very few exceptions, registered sex offenders are entitled to live in any property they own or are otherwise accommodated in by a Local Authority or other housing provider. Their addresses undergo stringent assessment by MAPPA partners, to ensure every reasonable precaution has been taken to safeguard both the local community and the offender.
What is Sarah’s Law?
Sarah’s Law, or the child sex offender disclosure scheme, allows individuals to find out if someone who has access to a child is a registered sex offender or poses a risk to that child. It also considers disclosing information about those who pose a risk to vulnerable adults. The scheme is managed by police public protection units under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
Who can make a request?
Parents, guardians, and third parties, including grandparents, neighbours, and any member of the public concerned about a specific person’s contact with a child.
Application Process: Requests can be made to participating police forces.
How to make a request
Visit any police station or call your local police non-emergency number. More information can be found on the relevant police force’s website.
Is disclosure guaranteed?
The police will process the application and assess the need for disclosure.
Information will be disclosed to those in the best position to protect a child, based on consultations with partner agencies.
Will the subject know they are being investigated, and who asked for it?
No, confidentiality will be maintained unless a disclosure takes place. If a disclosure does take place the subject may be informed that the applicant is to receive a disclosure about them. Risk assessments will take place for each disclosure.
If disclosure takes place, can applicants warn family and friends about the sexual or violent offender?
Information about disclosure must be treated as confidential. It is only being given so that steps can be taken to protect children. Applicants must not share this information with anyone else unless they have spoken to the police, or the person who gave them the information, and the police have agreed that it can be shared. In considering disclosure, all relevant persons will be informed.
What will be done to stop offenders becoming victims of vigilantism?
The police and other agencies are in regular contact with offenders and the disclosure process will be carefully managed. If anyone feels they are likely to become a victim of vigilantism or have been targeted, they should contact the police. In all cases of disclosure, the risks to the offender and the community impact will be considered. However, the protection of children will be the key determining factor.
What happens if someone tries to make a false application?
Making a false declaration in an attempt to procure the disclosure of personal data to which someone does not have a lawful right of access is an offence under the Data Protection Act 1998. This offence is more commonly referred to as ‘blagging’ and is punishable by an unlimited fine at Crown Court. Therefore, anyone providing false information in registering their interest or misusing any information disclosed, for example, by engaging in vigilantism on their own behalf, or on behalf of others, or the harassment of sex offenders, would be subject to police intervention and potential prosecution for any offences identified.
For more information about the disclosure scheme, click here.
What you can do if you see warning signs
Don’t wait for ‘proof’ of child sexual abuse – if you think a child is in immediate danger then call 999 to speak to the police.
Visit our family safety plan pages for information and advice on the things to think about and to keep your children safe.
If you are concerned about how a parent, cousin, sibling, friend, or neighbour behaves around children, you can talk through your concerns with experienced advisors on the confidential Stop It Now! helpline, or if you’re not ready to speak to someone you can use our live chat or send a secure message.
Want to know more?
Don’t wait for ‘proof’ of child sexual abuse – if you think a child is in immediate danger then call 999 to speak to the police.
If you’re worried about how an adult or young person you know behaves around children, you can get confidential support from the Stop It Now! helpline: 0808 1000 900. If you’re not ready to speak to someone yet, you can use our live chat or send a secure message.
