Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements MAPPA Shelley Scott National Head of MAPPA - UK Ministry of Justice

Roy Ledingham Police Lead for MAPPA - UK Ministry of Justice

Neil Prunnell MAPPA Strategy Manager - Greater Manchester

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

1. Legislation 2. MAPPA Process

3. Lessons learnt for England / Wales

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

In the years leading up to 1997, following a number of high profile cases of child abduction / murder …

The Sex Offenders Act 1997 …

was introduced

Introduced a National register of sex offenders / reporting requirements The Police - primary responsibility

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

In reality inconsistent and often flawed practice ..

Ineffective management of sexual and dangerous offenders, came to a head for authorities throughout the UK, during the year 2000.

Public outrage over the lack of effective monitoring of Sexual and Violent Offenders’ in some areas…. combined with campaign following the murder of 8 year old Sarah Payne..

Forced the government to react rapidly and introduce important changes to existing legislation.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

The PURPOSE Of MAPPA is … To help to reduce the re-offending behavior of sexual and violent offenders - in order to protect the public, including previous victims, from serious harm. MAPPA Guidance (2009) Version 3.0, Section 1.2

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

The AIM of MAPPA is … ‘Ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to reduce the likelihood of harm to the public’.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

MAPPA Legislation And Guidance: Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000) Criminal Justice Act (2003) • Introduction of MAPPA for all areas in England and Wales Sexual Offences Act (2003) •Notification for sexual offenders reinforced •Length of notification period depends upon sentence •Sex Offender Prevention Orders •Foreign Travel Orders •Notification orders for offenders coming from other countries •Annual re notification

A Database for Sexual Offenders VISOR • VISOR is a securely encrypted web based software application that holds the personal details on all relevant Sex offenders in the UK. • VISOR is a national database covering Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales and available to police/ prison and probation • It contains information on such things as DOB, NI numbers, relationships, employment, hobbies, address’s, foreign travel, pets, vehicles and so on.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Responsible Authority Agencies PROBATION / POLICE / PRISON SERVICE

Duty to Co-operate Agencies Youth Offending Teams Mental Health / Health Agencies Local Housing Authorities Local Education Authorities Social Services Registered Social Landlords Jobcentre Plus

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Who is managed through MAPPA ? The 3 CATEGORIES of MAPPA Offender Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Registered sexual offenders

Violent – and (Received at least 12 months in custody and on probation license)

Other Dangerous Offenders posing risk of SERIOUS harm

Subject of various reporting requirements under (Sexual Offences Act 2003).

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

The MAPPA Process

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Identification

Information Sharing Information Risk Sharing Assessment

Information Risk Sharing Management

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Identification This is critical to the whole process  Offenders cannot be managed unless correctly identified as eligible  Ensure there is clarity in what constitutes a MAPPA offender

 Appropriate computer systems and admin resources are essential

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Information Sharing  Create a move away from a culture of agencies acting alone and protecting ‘their information’

 Legislation needs to support proactive information sharing between agencies.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Information Sharing Must: • Have lawful authority

• Be necessary • Be proportionate • Ensure the safety and security of the information shared

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Risk Assessment  There will always be too many offenders under

MAPPA to manage them all at an intensive level  Risk Assessment is therefore crucial as the first step in deciding at what level an offender needs to be managed  Risk assessment must be systematic

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Risk factors •

STATIC

Factors which cannot change : Previous convictions/behaviour OGRS- based on static information

•

DYNAMIC Factors which can change : Accommodation, employment, drug/alcohol abuse, emotional well being, health.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Static Risk Factors for Sexual Offenders Risk Matrix 2000 is a joint risk assessment actuarial tool used by the police and probation service for men 18 or over convicted of a sexual offence Seven static risk factors are measured Number of Court appearances sentenced for a sexual offence Age on release Number of occasions sentenced for a criminal offence

Male victim Stranger Victim Non contact Sexual offence Never lived with a partner for 2 years

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Dynamic Risk Factors for Sexual Offenders - 4 Domains 1. Sexual Interests - sexual preoccupation/ preference for Children 2. Offence Supportive Attitudes - cognitive distortions/ revenge and hostility

3. Management of relationships - Low self esteem/ inadequacy/ lack of intimacy 4. Self - Management - irresponsible / impulsive

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Imminence levels - Risk of Serious Harm Low

No significant current indicators of risk of serious harm.

Medium

Identifiable risk of serious harm. Unlikely to cause harm unless there is a change in circumstances

High

Identifiable indicators of risk of serious harm and could occur at any time and the impact would be serious

Very High

Imminent risk of serious harm and impact would be serious.

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Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Risk Management – Restrictive 

Police transport from prison Restrict Employment



Increased police surveillance



Prison Licence conditions



Sex offender registration



Disclosure of information



Rehabilitation 

Intensive change focus treatment



Supported accommodation



Employment and training



Mental health treatment



Circles of accountability

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

MAPPA - What we learnt in England and Wales  Early Involvement of prisons in MAPPA  Recognise that police and probation staff are different and need time to learn how to work together  Be clear about what information can be shared with other agencies  Prioritise offenders carefully – ensure MAPPA used appropriately and do not try to do too much  Ensure consistency by developing a core group of relevant agencies  Ensure that risk management plans relate to the risks indentified

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

MAPPA success in England and Wales 

MAPPA provided the authority to exchange information



Agencies were more confident to manage risk as they were no longer working in isolation or making critical decisions alone.



Experts from different agencies make important contributions to overall plan Notification process is vital to manage sexual offenders

 

MAPPA helps us to learn new skills and best practice from each other



Risk assessments are more accurate - less mistakes



Support for disclosure decisions



Risk management more effective as relevant resources were made available



Increased Public confidence

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Shelley Scott National Head of MAPPA - UK Ministry of Justice [email protected]

Roy Ledingham National Police lead for MAPPA - UK Ministry of Justice [email protected]

Neil Prunnell MAPPA Strategy Manager - Greater Manchester Police [email protected]