North Yorkshire and York

Annual Report 2003/2004

Multi Agency Arrangements for the

Management of Sexual, Violent and
Other Dangerous Offenders

NATIONAL PROBATION SERVICE

for England and Wales

North Yorkshire
CONTENTS

Foreword
by Chief Officers of Probation and Police ... ... ... ... ... 3
Roles and Responsibilities of the Agencies involved in MAPPA:
Probation ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5
Police ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 7
Youth Offending Teams ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8
Social Services ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 9
Housing and Accommodation ... ... ... ... ... ... 9
Health Service ... ... ... ... ... ... 10
Education ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11
Prisons ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11
Other Agencies ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12
The Operation of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements
Identifying the Risk ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 13
Disclosure ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 14
Managing the Risk ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15
Strategic Management Arrangements
Panel Members ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 17
Overview ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 17
Victims Work
Contact Numbers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18
Overview ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18
Statistical Information ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20
MAPPA Contact Details ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 22
Crimestoppers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23

The names within case examples have been changed to maintain confidentiality,
as appropriate.
 3

FOREWORD

We are pleased to present the third annual report on the multi-agency public protection
arrangements in North Yorkshire and York.

The largest county in England, North Yorkshire comprises of seven District Council areas,
a County Council and surrounds the unitary authority of the City of York. The agencies
within have joined together in a common approach to public protection, a single
arrangement so that public protection can be at its most effective.

This is a joint report by the North Yorkshire Police and Probation Services setting out how
the risks posed by sex offenders and other dangerous offenders are managed within the
area. The report highlights good working practice undertaken locally and statistical
information.

It still remains a high priority of the Police and Probation Services to work closely together
to ensure that the community is safeguarded from those known to perpetrate sexual or
violent crimes and others who are considered to represent a risk of causing serious
personal harm to others. North Yorkshire Police and Probation Services now have in
place full time Public Protection Managers. They are dedicated to developing and
strengthening local practice, and ensuring that a co-ordinated multi-agency approach
exists within North Yorkshire and York to manage the risks posed by those identified as
dangerous offenders within the community.

Multi-agency arrangements are fundamental to securing an effective management plan

and this work is constantly evolving and developing through experience learned nationally
and locally. Within this area there is an established network of agencies who routinely
contribute by information sharing and involvement in assessment and management of the
risks identified.

This will be strengthened further by The Criminal Justice Act which from April 2004,
includes the Prison Service as part of the MAPPA Responsible Authority, together with the
Police and Probation Services. There already exists locally inter-agency work to ensure
that effective management plans are considered and in place prior to the release from
custody of relevant individuals. However, additionally, the coming year will see local
prison management involved in the multi-agency strategic management board. Other
authorities will have a duty to co-operate in establishing arrangements to assess and
manage the risks posed. Lay advisers will be appointed in the coming year, within the
Area, to assist with the review process at management level.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003, implemented during May 2004, will empower the police to
apply to the Courts for new orders to further assist in the management of convicted and
suspected sex offenders within the community, and will tighten current police registration
and foreign travel procedures for convicted sex offenders. The legislation addresses
4

sexual offending by use of computers. A new offence will exist to assist police in tackling
suspected cases of internet grooming. Within North Yorkshire applications for court
orders by the police are considered under MAPPA procedures and the MAPPP (Multi-
Agency Public Protection Panels), can, and do, recommend applications by the police for
such orders.

All these changes are welcomed by those currently involved locally with multi agency work
in this important area.

Every effort is made by North Yorkshire Police and Probation Services to ensure that the
management of relevant offenders is effective in preventing further harm.

It is, however, recognised that the help and support of other agencies and the public are
necessary in order to ensure that the responsible agencies are in possession of all
information available, to ensure that an appropriate risk assessment is made and an
effective management plan identified.

Case examples are contained within this report which highlight effective work being
undertaken, through information sharing and other co-operation between agencies. No
offender subject to these MAPPA procedures has committed a further serious offence, and
this shows that this collaboration between agencies in North Yorkshire and York does
work, and has protected the community in North Yorkshire and York.

Della Cannings Roz Brown

Chief Constable Chief Officer
North Yorkshire Police North Yorkshire Probation
 5

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

OF THE AGENCIES
INVOLVED IN MAPPA
The Police and Probation Services currently have joint statutory responsibility for Multi Agency
Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This will change in 2004 with the addition of the Prison
Service as a responsible authority. In fulfilling this responsibility, they must co-operate and
collaborate with other agencies, particularly in relation to sharing information. Many public
enquiries into child deaths and other tragic incidents have identified poor communication as
contributing to the failure to prevent the event.

The MAPPA described here is intended to prevent such tragedies in North Yorkshire and York.

Everyone living in a democratic and civilised society has individual rights, and civil liberties. These
include the right to privacy and the right to live life as one chooses, without interference from
others. These rights are important, and are safeguarded by our laws and consititution. They can
be infringed only where it is necessary to do so to protect the rights of others. Sometimes, in cases
considered through the MAPPA, it is necessary and lawful to engage with those rights and the
liberty of an offender who has shown by previous behaviour to pose a serious threat to others, but
this is done only after the most careful consideration. Protecting the public is paramount but any
infringement of individual rights must be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the risks
represented.

North Yorkshire Police and Probation Services are committed to respecting diversity and to
upholding the principles of the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act, but sometimes it is
necessary to breach the confidentiality of offenders by disclosing information about them, to
protect others. The careful processes involved are described in the section “DISCLOSURE”
below.

PROBATION
On any given day, the Probation Service supervises around 2000 adult offenders in North Yorkshire
and York - those who are on community sentences imposed by the courts, on licence following
release from prison, or are still serving prison sentences. Most of the people being supervised by
the Probation Service do not represent a danger to others, or represent some risk but are managed
safely through normal supervision.

Probation staff involvement commences at the court stage with the writing of pre-sentence reports.
This assists the judges and magistrates in sentencing decisions. The report includes a full
assessment of the risk each offender poses of re-offending and of causing serious harm to others.
A national assessment tool "OASys" is used on all offenders, but, additionally Police and Probation
Staff also use "Risk Matrix 2000"

Most offenders are given sentences which allow them to remain within the community and the pre-
6

sentence reports in such cases will outline a treatment proposal. This forms the basis of a
supervision plan, to be signed by the offender, if the court passes a community sentence order.
The plan sets out what the offender must do while under supervision and what work will be done to
help rehabilitate him or her and prevent further offending.

The pre-sentence report may advise on the length of sentence necessary to ensure treatment in
prison and so help protect the public. It can also recommend the length of licence that may be
needed on release. The licence period for those convicted of serious offences can be extended to
up to 10 years for sexual offenders and 5 years for violent offenders. Probation Officers may also
ask a judge to consider imposing a restraining order, prohibiting specified activities after release,
which can provide further protection for victims.

Under 200 of the 2000 offenders supervised have been sentenced to imprisonment for sexual or
violent offences. Those convicted of sexual offences are required to register with the Police.

Probation supervision of all offenders on court orders or prison licences is according to National
Standards. The standards set out how often an offender must be seen, and action to be taken if an
offender does not co-operate. If an offender fails to attend more than one appointment the
National Standard requires that he or she is "Breached" (taken back to court where a prison
sentence can be imposed), or, where appropriate, recalled to prison. This enforcement of the

Dave responds aggressively when stressed or frustrated and

can be very violent. He was sent to prison for wounding a
neighbour during an argument over his son, Darren. Although
Dave is helped by medication, he has been banned from his
GP for aggressive behaviour within the surgery, and no other
practice in his home town was willing to take him on.

Multi Agency Public Protection Panels (MAPPP) were held

Case Example

before the end of his sentence, and these planned 2 periods of

DAVE

temporary release, when Dave was escorted home and to

interviews with community agencies. These day visits helped
him overcome his anxiety and stressful feelings about being
released after a long period inside. On his release, special
arrangements were made for him to receive medication in a
safe environment, accompanied by his Probation Officer, who
saw him several times a week. Others involved included a
Community Nurse, and an Educational Social Worker, who
helped sort out problems with Darren which were worrying
Dave. The agencies worked closely together, and Dave
himself tried hard and initially did well. After a time, however,
deteriorating relationships at home and provocative behaviour
by Dave to strangers in the street resulted in a decision to have
him recalled to prison to complete his sentence there. This
return to prison caused Dave to reflect on his behaviour, and he
has not caused concern since his eventual release.
 7

Offenders on court orders and prison licences are usually required to participate in treatment
programmes. In North Yorkshire and York the programmes are all nationally accredited thereby
ensuring that they have been tried, tested and proven to reduce offending. They include a
cognitive based thinking skills programme, a programme for those who drink and drive and a sex
offender programme. They all seek to change the way that offenders think and behave and
research shows that they do work. Probation staff aim to change offenders behaviour by helping
them develop new attitudes and ways of thinking and responding to situations (internal controls),
which help them avoid committing further crime. In the majority of cases this is sufficient.
However, a proportion of offenders represent risks and dangers that require assessment and
management together with other agencies. This is necessary to consider and implement external
controls in order to protect the public. This work is undertaken through the area MAPPA.

POLICE
A fundamental objective of any Police Service is the prevention and detection of all crime.
Ensuring public safety and the prevention and detection of reported crimes of a sexual or violent
nature are a priority.
North Yorkshire Police treat all complaints regarding sexual and violent offences with sensitivity
and they are thoroughly investigated. Those offences of a serious sexual nature are investigated
by specially trained officers who deal with victims and identified suspects/offenders. Any sexual or
violent offences involving children are dealt with by suitably trained officers and predominately by
officers from one of the three Family Protection Units.
The introduction of The Sexual Offences Act 1997 saw the requirement of sex offenders who have
been convicted/cautioned for relevant sexual offences to register their details with the police in the
area in which they reside. This act has been amended and updated in both 2000 and 2003 in
order to strengthen the existing legislation. New offences have been created providing the police
with further power to assist in monitoring known and suspected offenders, and power to make
application for court orders to impose suitable restrictions on offenders.
Upon receipt of registration details, dedicated officers within the district the offender resides
complete an initial home visit and obtain information regarding the offender. The risks that
offender poses are then assessed using an assessment tool, Risk Matrix 2000, and are assessed
as either Low, Medium, High or Very High Risk. Regular visits are then conducted to assist in
monitoring and managing potential risks and ensure offenders are complying with relevant
legislation in respect of notification requirements. A requirement to register may range from 12
months to life, depending on the severity of the conviction.
The force has a dedicated Public Protection Manager who is responsible for attending all multi-
agency public protection meetings, and management of the Force Sexual Offenders Register.
Currently within North Yorkshire and York area there are 283 sex offenders registered with the
Police. It is recognised that the number of sex offenders resident within force areas will increase
over coming years. This is due to offenders who had been identified and convicted pre 1997
committing further offences and are therefore eligible for registration purposes and new offenders
being identified. Additionally, this year the police nationally have been involved in Operation Ore
which targetted offenders using the internet to possess and distribute indecent images of children.
This has contributed to the increase in newly registered offenders within North Yorkshire. It is
projected that by 2007 the figures should stabilise.
Nationally work is underway regarding the planned implementation this year of a national sex and
violent offenders database called ViSOR. The national system is expected to be operational within
North Yorkshire and York during May/June 2004 and will be used for recording and storing
information to improve procedures for managing offenders.
It will importantly provide police quick access to national information identifying potential suspects
for serious crime, and the targeting of specific offenders.
8

Within the last year, as a result of MAPPA meetings, the police successfully applied for two interim
sex offender orders.

Simon has a history of sexual offences against boys. He was

referred for MAPPP consideration because his behaviour was
becoming bizarre and it was feared that he was becoming an
Case Example

SIMON
increasing risk to children.
The MAPPP shared and assessed information about him,
which included his behaviour stretching back over a number of
years. It analysed the risks he represented to children in the
community, and agreed that a Sex Offender Order would be
the best way of managing them, and the Police applied for one.
Within days of an order being granted, Simon was seen to
breach its terms by conversing with two children. He was
arrested and was given a sentence of imprisonment. Keeping
a close eye on Simon, and responding promptly when there
were signs of concern effectively protected children.

YOUTH OFFENDING TEAMS

Some young people (aged 18 and under) will have been sentenced for very grave
offences and represent serious risk on release. Young offenders between the ages of 10
and 18 are supervised by North Yorkshire or the City of York Youth Offending Teams (YOT).
They are both actively involved in MAPPA meetings.

Grant was sentenced to 4 years custody for the attempted rape

of 2 children who are related to him. Grant is 16, and his case is
being managed by a Youth Offending Team, which referred
him for a MAPPP, because of concerns about the risk he
presents to other children.
Case Example

GRANT

A MAPPP was held before Grant was released, and advised on

what conditions should be added to his licence. The MAPPP
was attended by Social Services, and plans were made to co-
ordinate the protection of all the children in Grant's extended
family, who are at particular risk because the dangers Grant
represents are not recognised within his family. Grant is being
provided with a programme of intensive supervision by the
YOT, involving 25 hours contact per week initially, and a
programme which includes victim awareness, offending
behaviour, education & training, independent living, work
placement, and family support. Grant is being given
supported accommodation, and will be subject to electronic
tagging during set hours, to make sure that he remains there in
the evenings and at night. These actions should prevent Grant
from harming more victims.
 9

SOCIAL SERVICES
North Yorkshire Social Services and City of York Community Services work towards sustaining the
quality of life of individuals and communities across the areas, especially for children and
vulnerable adults. They have responsibilities towards children at risk and in need, and their
families, to older and disabled people, and to those with mental health needs. They are committed
to working collaboratively with other agencies to protect the vulnerable from those who might
harm them, particularly individuals with convictions for offences against children, and are active in
the development and operation of MAPPA.

Andy was separated from his wife. His daughter, Abigail, had
run away and Social Services were seeking a Care Order. The
Children's Guardian from the Children and Family Court
Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) who was involved
in the proceedings referred the case to MAPPA because of
concerns about threats being made by Andy. Andy had
Case Example

previously received a prison sentence for assaulting a social

ANDY

worker, and had other convictions. It was thought that Abigail

might be at risk of abduction by him and while he did not know
where she was staying, she was still attending the same
school.

A MAPPP was held, attended by representatives from

CAFCASS, Social Services and Abigail's school, as well as
Police and Probation. Information was shared, the risks Andy
presented were identified and evaluated, and action plans to
manage them were agreed. These included measures to
protect Abigail from possible abduction, by ensuring that she
was taken safely to and from school and her evening activities,
and by continued liaison between the key agencies involved.
The measures agreed protected Abigail and she has come to
no harm.

HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION

The National Probation Service and voluntary organisations manage Home Office approved
premises, and they provide enhanced supervision of offenders and bailees in order to protect the
public and reduce risk.

Offenders subject to Community Orders or Post Release Licences can be required to live in these
premises for specific periods. Whilst resident within such accommodation offenders are subject
to curfew restrictions and a high level of monitoring. They are allocated a Key Worker who
provides an additional level of supervision to that of the Probation Case Manager.
10

Living in supported and structured accommodation can also assist offenders to resettle more
effectively within the community.

Within North Yorkshire and York there exists strong links to the Housing Departments of the City of
York and the District Councils of Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale,
Scarborough and Selby, They have an important role to play and an Assistant Director nominated
by all the Chief Housing Officers has played an active part in the development of MAPPA.
Appropriate accommodation is crucial to the successful management of dangerous offenders,
and staff in Housing Departments sometimes need to call on the support of other agencies where
current tenants are presenting serious risk.

Ben was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for indecently

assaulting children in a neighbouring home. There was
concern amongst local people that he would be returning to
Case Example

the same area at the end of his sentence.

BEN

A MAPPP meeting was held before his release, and

arrangements were made for Ben to go to structured and
supported accommodation in another town, when he came
out. The MAPPP advised what conditions should be added to
his Licence, and these included that he should not have
contact with anyone aged under 16, and should not go
anywhere near his victims' home. Plans were made to make
sure that Ben respected these conditions, and to protect other
children from him. Arrangements were made to help Ben
move on to suitable move-on accommodation in his new area.

HEALTH SERVICE
The Health Service has a key contribution to make. Some dangerous offenders may present a risk
to health services staff, specifically mental health staff, Accident and Emergency staff, GPs and
other community staff.

Mental health specialists may be able to provide a diagnosis, assessment and treatment, including
referral to inpatient services to help to identify and manage risks. Forensic community psychiatric
nurses have been involved in risk management meetings for some time and, more recently, the
directors of the newly formed Primary Care Trusts have nominated a senior manager to sit on the
MAPPA Strategic Board and the MAPPA Task Group. There are currently plans in place for
increased involvement by the Health Service in MAPPP.
 11

Eddie was referred by local Police. He has a terminal illness

and had reportedly threatened to kill himself and take others
Case Example

with him. He has a previous conviction for firearm offences

EDDIE
and has criminal associates. His recent offending behaviour
gave cause for the threats to be taken seriously.

A MAPPP was called and the staff from agencies with a

knowledge of Eddie shared information and identified who
might be at risk from him and what the dangers might be.
Medical advice was sought regarding the illness and how it
would develop and effect his behaviour. It was recognised that
the illness was likely to cause volatility and reduce inhibitions,
and consideration was given to protecting potential victims
from this, whilst exploring options for support for Eddie.

EDUCATION
Some serious offenders prey on children and the dangers they represent often require the
involvement of schools. North Yorkshire and the City of York Education Departments are
committed to a collaborative approach to protecting children in their care through the MAPPA, by
referring concerning cases which come to their attention, and by responding to information
provided to them through the MAPPA.

PRISONS
All offenders sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or more are allocated to a Probation Case
Manager at the point of sentence. This Case Manager, together with prison staff, carry the
responsibility for monitoring the offenders progress through the prison sentence and for planning
their release into the community.

The Prison Service together with the Probation and Police Services work together to ensure that
any sexual, violent and other dangerous offenders are identified and any Very High Risk offenders
are then subject to both internal (within prison) and external (within the relevant area) MAPPA
meetings prior to release from custody. This allows cases to be reviewed and consideration of
licence conditions and monitoring systems to be in place well before any release date. This can
include additional licence conditions, referral to sex offender treatment programmes, suitable
accommodation being explored, and any mental health provisions.

There are two prisons located within North Yorkshire and York area, HMP Northallerton and HMP
Askham Grange. Prison staff are invited and attend from relevant prison establishments for any
offender subject to release into the North Yorkshire area.

Prison Service representation on the Strategic Management Board of North Yorkshire MAPPA is by
a Prison Governor.
12

OTHER AGENCIES
Other parties involved include the Legal Services Department of North Yorkshire Police and North
Yorkshire County Council Legal Services who provide legal advice (in particular in respect of
disclosure issues and application for sex offender orders); the NSPCC which is devoted to
safeguarding children from harm; Victim Support who provide a victim perspective and are
represented on the MAPPA Strategic Management Board.

Chris was given a long prison sentence for a serious assault.

He had shown little remorse, and it was thought that he still
harboured a grudge against his victim.

MAPPPs were started more than a year before Chris's release,

and involved Police representation from a number of force
areas and the Victim Liaison Officer. Careful consideration
Case Example

was given to the safety of the victim and family and to concerns
CHRIS

expressed by the Victim Liaison Officer. Supervised

accommodation in approved premises was arranged for Chris
on his release, and detailed arrangements made to monitor his
movements. Contact was maintained with the victim and
family and they were told when he would be released, and
precautions were put in place to protect them. These included
the provision of alarms, and alerting teachers at the schools
attended by the children. The MAPPP advised what
conditions were put on Chris's licence and how they should be
enforced. It met regularly to keep a close eye on his behaviour,
with good attendance from all the agencies, including the firm
responsible for the electronic tagging of offenders. The
MAPPP’s will continue to review Chris’s case, until it is agreed
that he no longer represents a danger to his victim.

However, not all offenders who are dangerous are known the above agencies and for this reason,
the Act covers "other offenders" who cause concern. Staff working in any agency who have
concern(s) about an offender in the community can refer a case to MAPPA.
 13

THE OPERATION OF MULTI

AGENCY PUBLIC PROTECTION
ARRANGEMENTS

Identifying the Risk

The starting point is a risk assessment with the collation of information from all relevant sources.
When all information has been gathered and analysed a decision can be made about the level of
risk represented by an individual. Risk categories are Low Risk of Harm, Medium Risk, High Risk
and Very High Risk.

The majority of offenders fall into the Low Risk category, with the second largest group being in the
Medium Risk Category. These individuals can be managed safely through normal agency
procedures and do not need to be referred to MAPPA for inter-agency consideration. However,
should circumstances change and an agency feel that the risk has increased then the agency can
refer the case back for consideration.

There are two levels of case conferencing: Risk Management Meetings (RMMs) for the discussion
of High Risk Cases and Multi-agency Public Protection Panel Meetings (MAPPPs) for the "critical
few" Very High Risk Cases.

Risk Management Meetings are held within the local area where the offender resides or where the
risk is posed. These meetings are held where it is felt that the active involvement of more than one
agency is required in the management of the identified risk and that risk is not so great that a
referral to a MAPPP meeting is felt necessary.

MAPPPs differ from RMMs in having present at all meetings a core group of senior managers
representing the key agencies, as well as involvement of case managers and local field managers.

The purpose of both RMMs and MAPPPs is to protect children and people in the community from
harm, through a joint approach in which agencies share responsibility and a co-ordinated
response to manage the risks and dangers represented by one individual to others. At the
meetings, to which every relevant agency is invited, information is shared and analysed, risks are
identified and assessed and an Action Plan for managing them is agreed.

The plan will identify which staff in which agencies are to undertake specific action and by when.
Actions can range from seeing that conditions are added to the licence prior to the release from
prison of an offender, to prevent them from contacting a victim, to covert Police surveillance of an
offender. Sometimes other people may be warned about the dangers represented by individual
offenders, through the considered disclosure of information about them.

Progress will be considered and the Plan updated at subsequent review MAPPPs or RMM
meetings.
14

Whilst most dangerous offenders are already known to the Police, the Probation Service or one of
the YOTS, a professional working in any other agency who has concerns that an individual with
whom he or she is in contact with, can initiate MAPPA procedures. This is through making a
referral to the Probation Public Protection Manager or Police Public Protection Manager. Both
Managers will liaise and a decision will be made whether or not it should be the subject of a MAPPP
or an RMM.

Disclosure
The question of disclosure of information about individual offenders to the general public is an
issue which receives wide media attention.

Disclosing information has to be balanced against the basic human right of all individuals,
including convicted offenders, to have their privacy and confidentiality respected.

Sometimes however, the need to protect others conflicts with the right of privacy and
confidentiality. Protection of the public is paramount and information about an individual is then
disclosed to protect those at risk of harm from that individual.

Disclosure of confidential information rarely means provision of information to the media. It

usually takes place on a one to one basis. An example of this would be where an offender has a
history of sex offences or serious violence, agencies would consider the need to disclose to a new
partner if there are serious concerns about them, or any children of the family, becoming a
potential victim.

The widest disclosure involving the media may happen when this might assist public protection, in
the most grave of cases. The ability of the media to transmit a message over a wider community in
a short space of time is invaluable in such cases. For example, if a highly dangerous offender
deliberately fails to comply with supervision and his whereabouts then become unknown,
disclosure in the media may lead to the public providing information to relocate that individual,
thereby protecting the community.

Decisions to disclosure information are never taken lightly. Because such disclosure potentially
infringes civil liberties, the careful balancing of the rights of the individual against the rights of those
potentially at risk have to be achieved.

Decisions in respect of disclosure are only made on a case by case basis after very careful
consideration at the highest levels through MAPPA meetings and with legal advice having being
sought.

The final responsibility for public disclosure rests with the Deputy Chief Constable of the North
Yorkshire Police.
 15

Management of Frank involved disclosing information about

Case Example

FRANK him. Frank is a very high risk sex offender, with convictions of
indecent assault on boys. During a Police search documents
were found which had been written by him which included plans
for seducing children and a detailed fantasy of abducting and
causing serious harm to children.
At a MAPPP meeting, it was decided that the risks posed by
Frank were so high that it was necessary to warn those
responsible for children felt to be in danger from him. This
disclosure was made by the police.

Managing the Risk

As at 31st March 2004 13 Very High Risk Offenders were subject to consideration by the MAPPP in
North Yorkshire and York. These offenders are the "critical few" who are assessed as posing a very
high risk of causing serious harm to the public. The MAPPP usually meet on one day each month,
but a special meeting can be called quickly, if necessary. In 2003/2004 "emergency MAPPPs" were
called on two individuals who were causing concern.

At the same time, 33 offenders in the community being supervisied by the Probation Service were
regarded as being High Risk. These cases were considered and managed by local Risk
Management Meetings.

Community Order/Post Release Licence

Those subject to statutory supervision can be on community orders or post release licence, and
the offender must comply. Conditions can be added and these are rigorously enforced.

Examples of conditions can include;

> Requirement to reside at particular addresses.

> Curfew conditions
> Monitoring devices (electronic tags)
> Prohibition of alcohol or drugs
> Prohibition on establishing contact with individuals or groups of people - in particular
previous victims.
> Restrictions on employment.

Failure to adhere to any imposed condition will result in enforcement action by the Probation
Service and can result in an offender being returned to custody.
16

Sex Offender Orders

It may be deemed necessary by those present at a MAPPA meeting to take measures in order to
minimise the risk posed by an offender, by applying for a Sex Offender Order.

This will include a number of relevant prohibitions, imposed by a court, which, if breached, can
result in the offender appearing before a criminal court and facing a sentence of up to 5 years
imprisonment. Prohibitions are intended to protect the public and can include:

> Not to approach any school premises

> Not to communicate directly or indirectly with any person under the age of 16 years.
> Not to enter particular areas (ie swimming pools, leisure centres, parks).

The Courts are required to consider whether the restriction of liberty is justified and each case is
assessed on an individual basis but the police should satisfy the court that the order is necessary
to protect the public or individuals from serious sexual harm.

These orders are to be replaced in 2004 by Sexual Offences Prevention Orders. These orders will
allow the Court to impose restrictions on an offender's behaviour in a similar way to a Sex Offender
Order but will be imposed at the point of conviction or on application by the police to the court.
An order will last for a minimum of 5 years but there is no upper limit. An order can be imposed on
any person over the age of 18 (between the ages of 10 to 18 in exceptional cases).

Such orders can be imposed on those who are convicted of violent offences if there is cause to
believe that it is necessary to prevent serious sexual harm.

Other orders introduced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 include

1. Risk of Sexual Harm Orders designed to restrict the grooming behaviour of those
who express a sexual interest in children but have no convictions.

2. Foreign Travel Orders, which seek to prohibit those convicted of sexual offences against
children under 16 years from travelling overseas where there is evidence that they intend to
cause serious sexual harm to children in a foreign country.

3. Notification Orders which require those individuals who have been convicted of certain
sexual offences abroad, to be subject to the registration requirements that are legislated for
had the conviction occurred within the UK.
 17

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
ARRANGEMENTS
The Strategic Management Board
The Board membership comprises of senior representatives from the following organisations:

> North Yorkshire Police

> North Yorkshire Probation
> Housing Departments
> North Yorkshire Education
> North Yorkshire Social Services
> National Health Service
> North Yorkshire Youth Offending Team
> North Yorkshire Police Legal Services
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The Strategic Management Board oversees the operation of MAPPA in North Yorkshire and York.
Chaired by the Deputy Chief Constable it consists of senior representatives of the agencies
involved in public protection work. It additionally has input from Victim Support, which is a
voluntary body which provides help, advice and support for the victims of crime and represents
them.

The Board receives reports on the working of the MAPPA, monitors figures and performance,
including individual cases, to ensure that dangerous offenders are being managed in the best way
possible to protect the public.

It recently held a review of MAPPAs, in which seven current cases were inspected and concluded
that arrangements were working satisfactorily and that the cases were being properly managed.
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VICTIMS WORK
The safety of victims and the avoidance of re-victimisation are at the centre of all public protection
work. The Probation Service has a statutory duty to contact the victims of sexual or violent crime in
all cases where the offender is sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or more. Its role is to give
information about the criminal justice system and the prison process and also to obtain details of
victim concerns, which may inform the licence conditions which will govern the offender on
release. Victims can also be given approximate details of the timing of release and of where the
offender will resettle.

The Probation Service has a partnership arrangement with Victim Support, whereby a trained
volunteer from Victim Support accompanies the Probation Service's Victim Liaison Officer to the
victim's home, on the initial contact visit. The role of the Victim Support is to offer support and
advice to the victim, which might be ongoing.

Victim Support, which is an independent charity, is represented on the Strategic Management

Board for MAPPA in North Yorkshire and York, to give a voice to the victims that the MAPPA exist to
protect.

VICTIM SUPPORT CONTACT NUMBERS

NORTH YORKSHIRE AND YORK
0845 120 9816 Craven Victim Support
0845 120 9817 Craven Victim Support Fax Line
0845 120 9818 Craven Witness Service & Fax
0845 120 9819 Hambleton & Richmond Victim Support
0845 120 9820 Hambleton & Richmond Victim Support
0845 120 9821 Hambleton & Richmond Witness Service & Fax
0845 120 9822 Harrogate & District Victim Support
0845 120 9823 Harrogate & District Victim Support Fax
0845 120 9824 Harrogate & District Witness Service
0845 120 9825 Harrogate & District Witness Service Fax
0845 120 9826 Ryedale Scarborough & Whitby Victim Support & Fax Line
0845 120 9827 Ryedale Scarborough & Whitby Witness Service & Fax Line
0845 120 9828 York & Selby Magistrates Court Witness Service & Fax line
0845 120 9829 York & Selby Victim Support
0845 120 9830 York & Selby Victim Support & Fax line
0845 120 9831 York Crown Court Witness Service & Fax line
0845 120 9840 Knaresborough (Admin/Finance Assistant and Fax Line)
0845 120 9839 Knaresborough Area Manager

If you have hearing difficulties you can call the minicom (or text telephone) number on 020
7896 3776
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E-mail addresses:
Area Office admin@nyvss.org
Area Manager manager@nyvss.org
Visiting Service:
Craven cravenvs@nyvss.org
Hambleton hamricvs@nyvss.org
Harrogate harvs@nyvss.org
Scarborough ryscarwhitvs@nyvss.org
York yorkvs@nyvss.org
Witness Service:
Craven cravenws@nyvss.org
Hambleton hamricws@nyvss.org
Harrogate harws@nyvss.org
Scarborough ryscarwhitws@nyvss.org
York Crown yorkccws@nyvss.org
York Magistrates yorkws@nyvss.org

For out of hours callers there is a National Support line staffed by trained volunteers who can give
information, practical help, and support or simply refer you to the nearest local scheme. Their
telephone number is 0845 30 30 900. The opening hours are:

9am - 9pm Monday to Friday

9am - 7pm weekends
9am - 5pm bank holidays

The lines are open longer on days when the BBC transmits the Crimewatch programme.

All calls are confidential and are charged at local rates.

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NORTH YORKSHIRE
AND YORK STATISTICAL
INFORMATION
For Period
1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004.
1. The number of Registered Sex Offenders living within 283
North Yorkshire and York on 31 March 2004.

2. The number of Registered Sex Offenders per 10,000 38

head of population.

3. The number of sex offenders having a registration 6

requirement who were either cautioned or convicted
for breaches of the requirement between specified
dates.

4. The number of full Sex Offender Orders, between

specified dates:
a) applied for 2
b) imposed by the Court 0

5. The number of interim Sex Offender Orders

betweenspecified dates:
a) applied for 3
b) imposed by the Court 3

6 The number of violent and other sexual offenders (as 138

defined by Section 68(3), (4) and (5) of the Criminal
Justice and Court Services Act 2000), living in the Area,
between specified dates.

7. The number of 'other offenders' (as defined by Section 2

67(2)(b) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services
Act 2000), between specified dates.
 21

8. The number of Restraining Orders imposed on any 0

MAPPA offender by the courts in the Area between
specified dates.

9. Number of cases managed through MAPPP between

specified dates relating to:
a) Registered Sex Offenders 13
b) V & O 10
c) OO 4

10. Number of cases managed by MAPPP between

specified dates where cases whilst still in MAPPP
involved
a) Return to Custody for Breach of Licence 4
b) Return to Custody for Breach of Restraining
Order or Sex Offender Order 2
c) Charge for serious sexual or violent offence 0
22

MAPPA CONTACT
NUMBERS

North Yorkshire Probation Area

Chief Officer
Thurston House
6 Standard Way
Northallerton
DL6 2XQ
Telephone number 01609 778644

Public Protection Manager

National Probation Service
Head Office (York)
Pavilion 2000
Amy Johnson Way
York
YO30 4XT
Telephone Number: 01904 698920

North Yorkshire Police

Chief Officer
Force Headquarters
Newby Wiske Hall
Northallerton
DL7 9HA
Telephone number: 01609 783131

Public Protection Manager

Force Headquarters
Newby Wiske Hall
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 9HA
Telephone Number: 01609 783131
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CRIMESTOPPERS
If you have any information about someone who you know or believe is involved in any kind of
criminal behaviour, particularly sexual or violent crime, or if you have any information about a
specific crime, we urge you to contact Crimestoppers on the below Freephone telephone number.
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