Police reassure public amid concerns over sex offender being homed in Portsmouth

Police have reassured the public about tough measures they deploy to deal with convicted sex offenders amid concerns raised over a child abuser released from jail now thought to be living near the city centre.

Hampshire Constabulary said it “invests significant resources” into the protection of the public and the management of sexual and violent offenders, with it a “duty we take very seriously”.

The force said it was “unable to discuss individual cases” but insisted they have a “comprehensive and thorough risk management plans to ensure that offenders who are considered to pose the greatest risk to the public are managed under the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) framework”.

This involves police working closely with other agencies including the probation service, prison service, local authorities and housing associations, to actively manage and monitor offenders. “Police work extremely hard with these agencies under the framework,” a police spokesperson said.

Speaking of how offenders are homed, the spokesperson said: “The MAPPA business plan recognises the need to develop housing strategies with local authorities that support effective public protection through the provision of suitable accommodation. In cases where individuals are made homeless, placements are sought and secured so we can monitor them effectively and reduce the risk to the public.

“Such offenders are dealt with individually, according to the identified risks, and decisions affecting them are made after very careful consideration of their circumstances.”

Offender managers attend specialist courses to ensure they are highly trained in dealing with sexual and violent offenders, police said. “Officers make regular unannounced face to face visits to offenders, where the individual is subject to an intrusive investigative interview process to enable us to establish their routines, behaviours and interests,” the spokesperson continued.

“To support these visits, offender managers have a digital capability to detect whether offenders are committing further offences. If they are visited at their home address and decline to engage with police on two or more occasions, we can take action against them through the courts on this basis.”

Prior to charge, police also secure preventative orders through the courts, such as Sexual Risk Orders (SROs). “An SRO, for example, generates a notification requirement for the individual whereby they must sign on at a police station regularly,” the spokesperson said.

“The standard of proof for securing these orders is high, and it is testament to the hard work and expertise of offender managers that we can secure these orders for individuals prior to them having been charged with criminal offences.

“We also seek to apply for other ancillary orders at the point of conviction, such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs). Such an order may, for example, prohibit someone from undertaking certain forms of employment such as acting as a home tutor to children. It may also prohibit the offender from engaging in particular activities on the internet. Each order is tailored specifically to the circumstances of the individual and the case they are involved in.”

Police also said they have a “duty to prevent managed offenders coming to harm and maintain community cohesion”. This may involve conducting Community Impact Assessments for example. “Each case is handled individually to ensure the safety of the public and the offenders involved is considered,” the spokesperson added.