MAPPA

Annual Report 2005/06

Sussex Multi Agency Public

Protection Arrangements
Ministerial Forward

Making our communities safer and reducing re-offending is our highest priority and one of our biggest
challenges.That is why the work undertaken through these multi agency public protection arrangements
(MAPPA) is so important.The supervision and management of sexual and violent offenders who pose the
highest risk of serious harm, whether in the community or in custody, is complex and challenging; and is an
aspect of public service where the public rightly expects all reasonable action to be taken.

Although we have made significant progress in the last five years with the development of MAPPA across
England and Wales, the review this year of a number of tragic incidents where people have been murdered or
seriously injured reminded us of the importance of reviewing performance, improving practice and learning
lessons. It is vital that these tasks are undertaken by the probation, police and prison services, as well as by
those other agencies that contribute to the assessment and management of offenders. The publication of
MAPPA Business Plans by each Area in this year’s annual reports offers a helpful and necessary programme of
local development and review and must lead to enhanced practice. It will be essential that this progress is
transparent and shared with local communities.

In addition to this, however, it is important that no opportunity is missed to consider other measures that will
further enhance public safety.That is why we are undertaking the Child Sex Offender Review, to look at how a
particular group of offenders, who provoke anxiety for many, are best managed in the community.The review is
consulting a wide range of practitioners and key stakeholders including the MAPPA lay advisers, and will report
around the end of the year.

Finally, in commending this report to you, I want to take the opportunity to thank all those involved locally in
working with sexual and violent offenders, or in ensuring that these arrangements are fit for purpose.Where
MAPPA is working well it is based on maintaining high professional standards and effective multi agency
collaboration in the delivery of robust risk management plans.While it is not possible to eliminate risk entirely,
where all reasonable action is taken the risk of further serious harm can be reduced to a minimum and fewer
victims will be exposed to repeat offending.

Gerry Sutcliffe MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

for Criminal Justice and Offender Management

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Contents
FOREWORD BY THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY 5

INTRODUCTION 7

MAPPA: HOW IT WORKS 8

WHO IS MANAGED UNDER MAPPA? 8

HOW ARE OFFENDERS MANAGED? 8

HOW DOES THE MAPPA WORK? 9

WHO DOES WHAT IN THE MAPPA PROCESS? 10

VICTIMS:THE REAL FOCUS OF THE MAPPA PROCESS 11

CIVIL ORDERS 12

VISOR 13

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS THIS YEAR 14

WHAT DO THE STATISTICS TELL US? 15

STATISTICAL INFORMATION 16

MANAGING MAPPA:THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT BOARD 18

LIST OF MAPPA CONTACTS 21

APPENDIX 22

SMB BUSINESS PLAN 22

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Foreword By Responsible Authority
We are pleased to introduce the 2005-2006 Annual report on the Multi Agency Public Protection
Arrangements in Sussex.The report sets out the way in which the ‘Responsible Authority’, the Police,
Probation and Prison Services, have worked together with other agencies to manage the risks posed by sexual,
violent and other dangerous offenders in the community.The report sets out the achievements of the
Responsible Authority during the last year; it provides case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the
arrangements and details how the risks posed by dangerous offenders are managed within the Sussex area.

The numbers of such offenders are relatively small compared to the overall population of the County. Not
surprisingly however, the nature of their offending attracts considerable attention.The last year has seen a
number of high profile public protection cases feature highly in the media such as the murder of John Monkton
in London, and Naomi Bryant in Hampshire.We will ensure that we in Sussex learn the lessons from these
tragic cases and we are committed to improving how we work in partnership to further re-assure the people
of Sussex and minimise the risks posed by such offenders.

Public protection is not an exact science and the risks posed by dangerous offenders can never be completely
eliminated but the people of Sussex are entitled to expect the appropriate authorities to take all reasonable
actions to keep risk to a minimum.To this end, we must ensure that resources follow risk. It is in the public
interest that finite resources should be directed at preventing or minimising the most serious risk of harm
posed by the very small number of offenders who pose an imminent danger.

The importance of partnership cannot be overstated. No single agency has the capacity to provide public
protection alone and success depends upon a sustained and proactive participation in effective partnerships.
Supporting the police, probation and prison services are a whole host of key agencies who are signatories to
the MAPPA process, each one bringing its own expertise that is vital in drawing up the most effective risk
management plans for the offenders.

The challenges for the Responsible Authority in the forthcoming year are numerous. It is vital that our MAPPA
processes continue to develop.We will endeavour to keep the public informed about these developments and
to provide honest and accurate information reflecting the true risk that offenders pose.

The development of the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements in Sussex has come a long way in the
last five years.The effectiveness of MAPPA has been externally recognised and this system of multi agency
co-operation is recognised as a world leader. High and very high risk offenders are being effectively managed
by well established partnership arrangements with justifiable and defensible decision making. We are
determined to build upon and improve MAPPA. Protecting the public and focusing on the needs of the
victim will continue to be a high priority.We will continue to strive to make Sussex a safer place to live, work
and visit.

Colin McConnell Joe Edwards Brian Clark

Area Manager Chief Constable Chief Officer
Sussex HMP Sussex Police National Probation Service

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Introduction

Protecting the public from sexual and violent offenders is one of the Government’s highest priorities. Sexual
and violent offences are dreadful crimes, that deeply affect the lives of victims and their families and inspire fear
in local communities.Their impact can be profound and long lasting, leaving victims feeling unsafe even in their
own homes.

The Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) which began operating in April 2001, place a duty
on the Police, Probation Service and the Prison Service to assess and manage the risks posed by offenders in
every community in England and Wales.These three organisations work together as the Responsible Authority.
The role of the Responsible Authority is to put robust arrangements in place, to manage people who pose a
serious risk of harm to others.These arrangements are multi agency because the Police, Probation Service and
Prison Service recognise that they cannot do this work alone. Key to the development of the MAPPA, is the
close involvement of other partner organisations such as social services, local authority housing, health services
and youth offending teams.These partner agencies all have a duty to co-operate and work together with the
Responsible Authority, to protect the public from the possible harm posed by these few, known, high risk
offenders.The contributions of all the partner organisations make the arrangements truly multi agency.

This report is prepared on behalf of Sussex Police, the Sussex Area of the National Probation Service and the
HM Prison Service. As this report will demonstrate, the MAPPA are continuing to undertake a great deal of
good work to develop and strengthen their activities.This report describes how the Sussex MAPPA manages
and reduces the risk of these offenders causing harm to others in the local community. However, MAPPA can
never completely eliminate the risk. Some offenders will cause serious harm for the first time and the
change in their behaviour and circumstances that leads to this offending, cannot be predicted. MAPPA enables
these cases to be closely examined so that lessons can be learned for the future and potential victims can be
protected.

Throughout the report, you will read recent case examples demonstrating the range of action and intervention
taken with offenders to minimise the risks they pose.The case examples will also illustrate the swift action that
has been taken to prevent serious, further offending.

It is hoped that this report will be widely read, because it is vital that the public are aware of the steps that are
being taken to guard and protect them from serious harm. Above all, the information contained in this report
should reassure you that MAPPA is making a real difference to the quality of life in our communities.

This is the fifth annual report about these arrangements and covers the year 1st April 2005 to
31st March 2006.

Further copies of the report can be obtained from the following website www.sussex.police.uk

If you are interested in reading the reports of other MAPPA areas, including previous years reports, they are
available on the National Probation Service’s website www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk (under the public
protection section).You can also download the Responsible Authorities National Steering Group’s five year
overview of MAPPA from this link.

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MAPPA: How It Works
There are many aspects to protecting the public and managing the risks from sexual, violent and other
dangerous offenders.The fundamental purpose of MAPPA is public safety, the protection of victims and the
reduction of serious harm. In Sussex, the day to day work of all the agencies involved in public protection,
provides the backbone to effective risk assessment and management. MAPPA provides a strong framework in
which the skills of relevant agencies can be combined to assess and manage the risks posed by offenders living
within the community.

So who is managed under MAPPA?

MAPPA works on a clear categorisation process:-

CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

Registered Sex Offenders1 Violent Offenders2 Other Offenders who have a
or previous conviction
other Sex Offenders1 who are on for an offence
licence to the Probation Service and
who pose a risk of serious harm
to the public

How are offenders managed?

The MAPPA process also has a series of levels under which all MAPPA offenders, depending on their risk levels,
are managed.This structure of risk management is intended to enable resources to be deployed to manage the
identified risks in the most efficient and effective manner.The three risk management levels are as follows:-

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

SINGLE AGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT MULTI AGENCY PUBLIC
MANAGEMENT MEETINGS PROTECTION MEETINGS
An offender who poses a low to An offender who poses a medium One of the ‘critical few’
medium risk to high risk

Level 1 - risk management is used
when the risks posed by the
offender can be managed by one
agency without significantly involv-
ing other agencies
Level 2 – risk management is used
where the active involvement of
more than one agency is required
but where either the level of risk
or the complexity is not so great
as to require a referral to Level 3
Level 3 – risk management is for
those offenders who pose the
highest risk of causing serious
harm to the public and whose
management is complex

Footnote

1 Sexual Offenders are deemed as those people registered with the police under the Sex Offenders Act 1997
or someone who has been given a sentence related to a sexual offence for 12 months or more since April 2001

2 Violent Offenders are those who have committed a violent offence and have been given a sentence of 12
months or more

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How Does The MAPPA Work?
Quite simply, the arrangements are based on the knowledge that the best way to manage and reduce the risks
that these few offenders pose, is to share information. All referrals are made to the MAPPA Officer to ensure
consistency, eligibility and that referrals are made at the appropriate level of risk.The referral form contains a
wealth of information including:-

● The offenders current risk factors (of what, to whom and when)
● The Licence Expiry Date and/or Registration period
● A detailed risk assessment including the risk of harm and risk of re-offending
● A draft risk management plan
● A rationale for the recommended MAPPA management level

All Level 1 referrals, which are managed by a single, lead agency, are circulated to our partner
agencies for information.The referral contains the contact information of the lead agency so that
partner agencies can liaise directly with the case manager if they have any information that may
influence an offenders risk management plan or current risk/MAPPA level.

Level 2 and 3 cases are initially considered at the Level 2 Risk Assessment Meetings. Although the majority of
all referrals are made by either the Police or Probation Service, any agency can refer cases where there is a
concern for public safety.

Once an offender has been referred into MAPPA, it is the responsibility of the MAPPA agencies to undertake a
rigorous risk assessment and construct a robust risk management plan to minimise the potential danger an
offender poses.When constructing the management plan, information from all the partner agencies is taken
into consideration and form the basis of the plan.This can include:-

● The offenders current risk factors (of what, to whom and when)
● Details of any circumstances that may increase that risk
● The Licence Expiry Date and/or Registration period
● A detailed risk assessment including the risk of harm and risk of re-offending
● Details of any licence conditions
● Details of accommodation and support
● Frequency of contact, where this contact occurs and by whom
● Victim support / protection
● Enforcement plans
● Contingency plans

Once the plan has been agreed, it is reviewed on a regular basis and the
decisions, rationale and actions of the panel are recorded.

MAPPA is designed to be flexible and to adapt to an offenders changing

circumstances and risks. Because there are many factors which may affect
an offenders current risk level, for example the breakdown of a relation-
ship, drug or alcohol misuse, loss of accommodation or deterioration in
mental health, a case may move between MAPPA levels throughout the
duration of its MAPPA time span.This strengthens the MAPPA and enables
it to proactively risk assess and manage the risks posed by these offenders.

Disclosure remains a vital tool in the management of some offenders. Such

disclosure may range from specific revelation to nominated persons within
agencies who have contact with the offender, to individuals who are known
to be at risk from the offending behaviour. In extreme cases and where the
risk is most serious, wider disclosure to groups within the community may
be considered. In all disclosure cases, the decision to disclose is made by
the Chair of the MAPPP and care is taken to balance the rights of the
individual against the risk posed by their offending behaviour.

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 Who Does What In The MAPPA Process?
Protecting the public from sexual, violent and other dangerous offenders is best
achieved by joint working. Sussex has a strong history of working together with
other agencies to protect the public. Although Police and Probation are
predominantly the lead agencies, the contributions made by other agencies are
essential to the process. A summary of their roles and responsibilities in relation to
Multi Agency Public Protection in Sussex, is outlined below:-

SUSSEX POLICE
Along with the Probation Service and the Prison Service, Sussex Police are
responsible for the development and management of the arrangements.They
co-chair, co-ordinate and manage all the MAPPA meetings and are primarily
responsible for the management of Registered Sex Offenders.They contribute
enforcement activity including the monitoring of offenders, (including covert
surveillance) and are responsible for obtaining civil orders such as Sexual Offences
Prevention Orders, Risk of Sexual Harm Orders and Foreign Travel Orders.The
Police also manage the registration of all sex offenders, undertake detailed risk
assessments and are responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any who
re-offend.

SUSSEX PROBATION AREA

Probation staff make a wide-ranging contribution to the work of MAPPA and are
trained in assessing the risks that offenders present.They are committed to
reducing re-offending and to protecting victims and potential victims.They do this
through the supervision, risk assessment and control of offenders and through
direct contact with the victims. Probation are also responsible for co-chairing MAPPA meetings and for
recalling offenders back to custody if they fail to comply with the terms and conditions of their licence.

PRISON SERVICE
At the end of the custodial element of their sentence, most prisoners managed under MAPPA, eventually
return to living in the community. Her Majesty’s Prison Service works in close partnership with the Police and
Probation Services to identify these offenders so that they can access a range of interventions aimed at
addressing the offender’s behaviour and reducing the risk of reoffending on release.The Prison Service is also
able to provide a wealth of invaluable intelligence on offenders, such as their behaviour and those individuals
with whom they have been in contact with whilst in custody.This information can be utilised to strengthen the
risk management plan which is developed prior to the offender’s release.This year a protocol has been
developed between the Sussex MAPPA and the South East Region of the Prison Service.This protocol
formalises arrangements for effectively managing cases from custody through to the offenders release into the
community.

SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services have a primary responsibility for the protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse.
They provide valuable information on family networks and can share vital information about offenders and
potential victims.

FORENSIC SERVICES
The Forensic Service team provide statutory mental health services across Sussex and are committed to
playing their part in the MAPPA process.They are responsible for the assessment and treatment of offenders
requiring psychiatric treatment, including offenders who are mentally disordered and have personality
disorders.Their work includes both community based treatment and management in secure residential
facilities.

HOUSING
Local Authority Housing Departments and Registered Social Landlords provide housing support for those in
need.Their role within MAPPA is to help in delivering the fundamental aim of public protection, by providing
the type of accommodation most suitable to an offender, depending on the level of risk they pose.

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 YOUTH OFFENDING TEAMS
The three YOTs based in Sussex, are responsible for supervising all offenders under 18 years of age.They
provide a full range of services to young people who have offended and offer direct services to the victims of
youth crime.They support the arrangements through effective risk assessment and risk management strategies
for young offenders.

OTHER DUTY TO CO-OPERATE AGENCIES

There are a range of other key agencies such as Jobcentre Plus, Local Education Authorities and Electronic
Monitoring Providers who contribute to the Sussex MAPPA process.These agencies contribute on a case by
case basis and provide valuable information about known offenders.Through the MAPPA Communications
Strategy, it is planned that representatives of these agencies will join the Strategic Management Board and
assist in the strategic development of MAPPA within Sussex.

VICTIMS: The real focus of the MAPPA process

While the fundamental duty of all the agencies involved in the MAPPA process is to safeguard the public from
dangerous sexual and violent offenders, one of the key priorities is always the care of victims.The protection
of victims is at the core of the Sussex MAPPA and is dependant on effective multi agency working.Within
Sussex, the Victim Contact Scheme has provided a service to victims of crime since 1995.The Scheme has two
primary objectives:-
● To ensure that victims and/or their families are fully aware of the custodial process and are kept
informed of any relevant developments in the offenders sentence; and
● To ensure that victims and/or their families are given the opportunity to express any concerns they may
have regarding the offenders release arrangements

In order to deliver this vital service,

there are dedicated Victim Liaison

“
Case Study 1 Officers (VLOs) who work within
Sussex Probation.These VLOs are
Mr X, a high risk sex offender, was convicted of Indecent Assault on responsible for liasing with both the
young males.The offences occurred whilst the perpetrator was victim/s and the offenders Probation
working as a cricket coach at a local club. On conviction, in addition Officer, to ensure that the victim is kept
fully informed of any developments and
to being placed on the Sex Offenders Register, the Police applied for that their perspective, where possible,
and obtained a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.The SOPO placed is taken into account during the
strict conditions on the offender and prohibited him from having any formulation of the offenders risk
management plan. In some cases, liaison
contact with any young person under the age of 18. In order to with the VLO can result in additional
restrict the offender’s ability and opportunity to abuse children, the licence conditions such as a exclusion
SOPO also prohibited him from working with any person under the zone prohibiting an offender from enter-
ing a particular area, such as the victims
age of 18 years.The offender was informed that any breach of the home town, or a no contact condition
SOPO could result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years. prohibiting an offender from contacting
their victim either directly or indirectly.
Following his release from prison, the MAPPP (Multi Agency Public
Protection Panel) were informed that Mr X had made an application
to join a local cricket club and in particular, a club which had an
established junior section. Due to the previous convictions of the
offender and his current risk of harm, the MAPPP decided that full
disclosure, highlighting the prohibitive elements of the SOPO, should
be made to the club’s Governing Body. Following the MAPPP
disclosure, Mr X has been prohibited from joining the cricket club
and he continues to be closely monitored by the Sussex MAPPA.”

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Preventing Sexual Offending: CIVIL ORDERS
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 introduced four new civil orders designed to prevent sexual offending.These preventative
orders which may form part of an offenders management plan can assist the MAPPA to protect the public from those
offenders who pose the most significant risk of sexual harm.

If any of these orders are breached, the offender can face up to 5 years imprisonment.

SEXUAL OFFENCES PREVENTION ORDERS

Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs) are intended to protect the public from the risks posed by convicted sex
offenders, by placing restrictions on their behaviour.The order seeks to restrict an offenders ability and opportunity to
engage in grooming or preparatory behaviour for the purposes of sexually abusing children. For example, the SOPO may:-

● Prohibit an offender from associating and/or working with children under the age of 16 years
● Restrict an offender from entering childrens’ playgrounds, visiting local swimming pools or frequenting any other
area that is used by children
● Place a curfew to restrict an offenders movements at certain times of the day or on certain days of the week
● Prohibit the ownership of computers or any other multi-media storage device
● Prohibit an offender from engaging in certain activities such as visiting chat rooms on the internet

The minimum duration for a full order is 5 years, however, there is no upper time limit.

RISK OF SEXUAL HARM ORDERS

This order is similar in content to the Sexual Offences Prevention Order in that it aims to restrict and deter the activities
of those individuals involved in grooming children for sexual activity.The main difference is that this order can be used on
individuals who have no previous convictions or cautions for sexual offences.The minimum duration of a Risk of Sexual
Harm Order is 2 years.

NOTIFICATION ORDERS
This order can be applied to any individual who has been convict-
ed or cautioned for a sexual offence that was committed whilst
the offender was abroad. In effect, on their return to the UK, the
order makes any such offender subject to the full
requirements of the Sex Offender Register.This in turn, would
make the offender subject to MAPPA.

FOREIGN TRAVEL ORDERS

In certain circumstances, this order can be used to prohibit those
offenders convicted of sexual offences against children under 16
years of age, from travelling overseas.This order would be used
when there is evidence to indicate that the offender intends to
cause serious sexual harm to children in a foreign country.
VISOR: Helping To Manage The Risk
A key area linked to the work of MAPPA is ViSOR.ViSOR, the Violent and Sex Offender Register, is the national database
for violent and sexual offenders.This database is a key tool for the proactive management and monitoring of dangerous,
violent and sexual offenders.The database which is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year contains a wealth of
intelligence and information on offenders. Most importantly, when an offender travels or moves to another Police Force
area,ViSOR enables that vital intelligence to be shared nationally with that Force.This immediate access to such a wealth of
information can be crucial to the successful management of those offenders posing the most serious risk of harm.

ViSOR is currently used by all the Police Forces in the UK and there are plans for the database to be shared nationally
with other key agencies such as the Prison Service. Once fully implemented,ViSOR will facilitate the complete, multi agency
management of each MAPPA offender.

“
Case Study 2
“Miss X, a high risk offender was convicted for Arson. Having set fire to her house with her
estranged partner upstairs she then set fire to herself.Whilst in prison she made repeated
threats to kill her victim and to cause harm to his family. Prior to her release, the MAPPP were
informed that due to strict licence conditions and the high risk of harm she posed to her
potential victims, she would be prohibited from returning to the Sussex area, however, the
victims still remained within Sussex. In order to develop protection plans for the victims the
Sussex MAPPP worked in close liaison with the neighbouring MAPPP to ensure that all relevant
information was shared between agencies and that a full and robust risk management plan
was developed. Mrs X continues to be closely managed and monitored by the two MAPPPs.”

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 Key Achievements This Year
DURING THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE HAD SOME SIGNIFICANT
ACHIEVEMENTS, INCLUDING:-

The appointment of a MAPPA Administrative Assistant who is responsible for providing

✔ dedicated and professional, secretarial support to the Sussex MAPPA.This includes supporting
the continuous cycle of meetings by collating referrals, drafting agendas and minutes and
maintaining & updating the MAPPA database.This post is key to ensuring the consistency and
accuracy of all MAPPA written documentation and the decision making rationale.The post has
been jointly funded by all three members of the Responsible Authority and the local Health
Authority.

The continued development of the MAPPA Officer who provides a fundamental link to all the
✔ agencies involved in MAPPA.The post continues to play a key role in keeping the procedures
under constant review to ensure they are consistent, accountable and in accordance with
current and emerging National Guidance. In addition to chairing Level 2 Meetings, the
MAPPA Officer has been pivotal in the development and implementation of the Strategic
Management Board’s Business Plan, the production of the Annual Report and the strategic
development of ViSOR.

The continued engagement of the Prison Service both as part of the Responsible Authority and
✔ Strategic Management Board and as representatives at Level 3 MAPPA meetings.This year has
also seen the development of working agreements on how the Service can contribute to the
Sussex MAPPA.This includes at least 6 months notification of the expected release dates of all
Level 3 offenders and at least 3 months notification of those offenders being managed at Level 2.
The Service also proactively shares all relevant risk management information in order to help
the MAPPA plan for an offenders release. Because of the increasing MAPPA population and the
growth of MAPPA offenders within the prison system; due in the main to the changes in
legislation, the continued engagement of the Prison Service will be vital to public protection.

The development of the two Lay Advisors who provide a valuable, community perspective on
✔ the public protection arrangements both within Sussex and the South East region. Both Lay
Advisors who have a wealth of experience, are active members of the MAPPA Strategic
Management Board.They have been in post for a full year and have attended a further
National Training Course enabling them to make an active contribution to the work and
development of MAPPA.

As a lead agency in the delivery of MAPPA, Sussex Police has made a significant commitment to
✔ the development of ViSOR.ViSOR, which is the national database for violent and sexual offenders is a key tool for the
proactive management and monitoring of offenders. Sussex Police employs a ViSOR Administrator who is responsible
for maintaining and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data held on the system.The post is also responsible for
ensuring all public protection staff are fully trained in the use of ViSOR and for assisting in the development and
identification of operational guidance and best practice both within Sussex and the South East region.

Implementation of an agreed Risk of Harm definition.This definition is based on the OASys (Offender Assessment System)
✔ risk assessment tool and ensures that all partner agencies have a clear understanding of what each risk level means
particularly in terms of risk indicators, imminence of risk and the impact of that risk.

Development of standardised paperwork including a standardised MAPPA Referral Form and MAPPA minute recording
✔ form.This ensures consistency across the county and within each partner agency.

Joint training for Police, Prison and Probation staff in the use of Civil Orders such as Sexual Offences Prevention Orders
✔ and Risk of Sexual Harm Orders, available under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

✔ Training for all Police staff involved in public protection, in the use of the Thornton’s Risk Matrix 2000, risk assessment tool.

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What Do The Statistics Tell Us?

Increasing numbers - Greater risk of harm?

The number of registered sex offenders in Sussex has once again increased.Year on year increases are inevitable as more
offenders are caught, convicted and added to the register. MAPPA is therefore better able to assess and manage more
offenders. Registration periods are lengthy, enabling us to monitor the risk presented by offenders over time.This means
that fewer people drop off the register on expiry of their registration than are added to it when convicted.The number of
violent offenders within MAPPA has also increased.Whilst there has been a small overall increase in violent crime, Courts
have been sentencing violent offenders more severely, bringing a higher number of offenders within the remit of MAPPA.

Strong compliance
Compliance with sex offender registration and with the requirements of post release licences has been high. Only 10 out
of 804 registered sex offenders failed to comply with the requirements.This demonstrates that we can feel confident about
our ability to locate and monitor our RSO population.

MAPPA Level 2 and 3

It is essential that MAPPA directs resources so that those offenders who require active involvement from a range of
agencies are prioritised.These cases are managed via monthly meetings at level 2 or level 3 of MAPPA.We have continued
to require our assessment systems to target our efforts most effectively and the number of cases managed at levels 2 or 3
has reduced from 347 to 246. Within this group the number managed at level 3, the cases we regard as the critical few, has
increased this year. One of the reasons for this is the increasingly high level of media scrutiny.Where cases attract
significant media attention, it is customary for them to be reviewed at Level 3 where senior managers from all agencies are
present.The SMB (Strategic Management Board) will be developing its communication strategy in the coming year and may
examine whether this is the most appropriate use of Level 3 meetings. We will continue to audit and review our work to
ensure that those cases requiring senior managers’ attention receive it. Whilst the numbers managed at level 3 are bound
to fluctuate from year to year, we must ensure that we retain consistent standards of risk assessment in the face of
increased and quite legitimate public attention.

MAPPA – Has it worked?

Any further serious offence committed by an offender managed under MAPPA is one too many. In recognition of this, all
serious further offences are formally reviewed by the SMB so that lessons can be learned and any improvements identified
by the review can be implemented. This year, two of those managed at MAPPA level 2 or 3 were convicted of a Serious
Further Offence.Whilst no system of public protection can ever entirely eliminate risk, the figures
suggest that the public can be confident that procedures are in place in Sussex to reduce the risks to a minimum.

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Statistical Information
Category 1 MAPPA Offender: REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS
i) The number of Registered Sex Offenders living in Sussex on 31st March 2006 804

ia) The number of Registered Sex Offenders per 100,000 of population 53

ii) The number of sex offenders having a registration requirement who were either
cautioned or convicted for beaches of the requirement between 1st April 2005
and 31st March 2006 10

iii) Between 1st April 2005 and 31st March 2006, the number of:-

a) Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOS) applied for 12

b) Interim SOPOs granted 0
c) Full SOPOs imposed by the courts 8

iv) Between 1st March 2005 and 31st March 2006, the number of:-

a) Notification Orders applied for 1

b) Interim Notification Orders granted 0
c) Full Notification Orders imposed by the court 0

v) The number of Foreign Travel Orders:-

a) applied for 0
b) imposed by the courts between 1st March 2005 and 31st March 2006 0

Category 2 MAPPA Offender: VIOLENT OFFENDERS and OTHER SEXUAL

OFFENDERS
vi) The number of violent and other sexual offenders (as defined by Section 327 (3), (4)
and (5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, living in Sussex between 1st April 2005
and 31st March 2006 392

Category 3 MAPPA Offender: OTHER OFFENDERS

vii) The number of ‘other offenders’ (as defined by Section 325 (2)(b) of the
Criminal Justice Act 2003, living in Sussex between 1st April 2005 and
31st March 2006 7

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Offenders Managed Through Level 3 (MAPPP) and Level 2
(Local Inter-Agency Management)
viii) The number of MAPPA offenders in each of the 3 categories who have been managed
through the MAPPA (level 2 & 3) between 1st April 2005 and 31st March 2006:-

LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
a) Registered Sex Offenders 98 17
b) Violent and Other Sexual Offenders 101 24
c) Other Offenders 5 2

ix) Of the cases managed at levels 2 or 3, how many whilst managed at that level were:-

LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
a) returned to custody for breach of licence? 18 6
b) returned to custody for breach of a restraining order or SOPO? 2 0
c) charged with a serious sexual or violent offence? 2 0

Number Of RSOs Per Police Division

145
278
226

155

page 17
 Managing MAPPA -
The Strategic Management Board
The Strategic Management Board oversees the operation of MAPPA in Sussex. It includes representatives of
key agencies who work together within MAPPA to protect the public.

The Board is jointly chaired by a Detective Superintendent from Sussex Police and an Assistant Chief Officer
from the National Probation Service (Sussex Area).The membership includes representatives of the Prison
Service, Children’s Services, Local Authority Housing and the Mental Health Services.This is the first full year in
which the Board has benefited from the membership of two lay advisors.The broad perspective they have
brought as members of the public has already enhanced the operation of the Board. In the coming year they
will be actively involved in the audit and review and communications sub-groups. Additionally the Board is
delighted to welcome a representative from Victim Support Sussex.Their membership should further
strengthen the Board’s decision making by ensuring that a victim perspective is always considered.

Sussex Strategic Management Board anticipated national guidance by producing a Business Plan last year.This
year the plan reflects the Business Plan produced by the Responsible Authorities National Steering Group.The
plan is included in full overleaf. It spells out the
activities the Board intends to pursue under its
four key areas of responsibility: MAPPA

“
Case Study 3
“Mr X, a high risk, prolific sex offender was
convicted for Indecent Assault on young females. At
the time of conviction, Mr X was ordered to sign
the Sex Offenders Register for life and he was
made subject to a SOPO which prohibited him from
having any contact with young persons under the
age of 18 years. Prior to his release from prison, a
full risk management plan was put in place, howev-
er, Mr X repeatedly stated that he would not com-
ply with his conditions.
Due to the nature and the seriousness of the risk
of harm he posed to young females, the MAPPP
authorised police surveillance of Mr X. Following
two days surveillance, Mr X was caught at a local
leisure centre watching young girls in the changing
Development, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Communication and Partnerships, and Training.
A structure of sub-groups to deliver the plan
under each of these areas has been adopted by
the Board.
The Board has continued to develop its links
with other bodies concerned with public
protection and community safety. A shared
improvement objective has been agreed with the
Local Criminal Justice Board. Previous strong
linkage with Area Child Protection Committees
has been re-enforced with the Local Children’s
Safeguarding Boards that have replaced them.
Links with Local Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnerships will be developed further in the
coming year.
The overriding priority of the Strategic
Management Board is to ensure that the best
possible structures exist to enable MAPPA to
function and that these structures are working
effectively.

room. He was swiftly arrested and sentenced to a

further three years imprisonment.”

page 18
”
One of the Lay Advisors stated:-

“
It has been over a year now since I joined the Strategic Management Board for MAPPA representing the community in my home
county. During this first full year I have come face to face with the realities of MAPPA in the community.

Whilst Lay Advisers are pioneers in a new initiative, I believe that we have been given every support and opportunity to make the
public voice heard.Yes, the role calls for skills of diplomacy and negotiation, but I have been genuinely impressed by the
professionalism of the key public services.Within Sussex, I have found that there is an effective public protection system supported by
dedicated professionals who face the difficult task of weighing the plethora of risks that offenders pose.

The process is very comprehensive, with a continual review of an offenders potential to pose an ongoing risk. By appointing Lay
Advisers, there is a real opportunity to bring community needs and opinions into account when making key decisions about the
functioning and development of MAPPA.

I feel strongly that by engaging the community in this way, (both via the Lay Adviser and the MAPPA Annual Report) the Responsible

”
Authority is assisting the public in becoming better informed.

SMB MEMBERSHIP

Nigel Yeo Assistant Chief Constable, Sussex Police

Russell Whitfield Detective Superintendent, Sussex Police
Kate Matthews MAPPA Officer, Sussex
James Benson Police Public Protection Lead, Surrey, Sussex & Kent HMP
Nick Smart Assistant Chief Officer, Sussex Probation Service
Lynette Benton Lay Advisor
William Glover Lay Advisor
Sue Waterhouse Director, Secure & Forensic Services, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust
Mike Thomas Head of Youth Offending Services, Brighton & Hove City Council
Frank Hickson Head of Housing Management, Arun District Council
Graham Hill Victim Support
Brian Relph County Child Protection Advisor,West Sussex Children
& Young Persons Services

page 19
“
Case Study 4
“Miss X, who had a long history of self harm and substance misuse was convict-
ed for the Manslaughter of her baby son.Whilst serving her prison sentence, she
continued to self harm and disclosed to staff that she had murdered her son. She
also disclosed that she wanted to kill herself and that when released back into
the community, she didn’t believe that she would be able to cope or support her-
self.

Prior to her release from prison, she was managed by the MAPPP and a robust
risk management plan was put in place. A key element of the risk management
plan was not only the protection of the offender herself but the protection of the
offender’s two sons who had previously been placed in foster care. Strict licence
conditions preventing contact with the children were put in place and protection
plans for the two boys were activated.These plans involved extensive co-operation
from all agencies including the boys foster carers and the 2 local schools.

Following her release, Miss X made threats to snatch and kill both her sons. She
also made threats to harm the social worker whom she blamed for preventing
access to her two children. Because of the seriousness of the threats, Miss X was
swiftly recalled to prison. During the remainder of her sentence, the MAPPP
secured permanent accommodation at a local mental health facility where, upon
release, Miss X would be closely supervised and able to receive treatment and

”
care in a secure and safe environment.”

page 20
Contacts
SUSSEX POLICE ADDRESS PHONE

Russell Whitfield Sussex House 0845 60 70 999

Detective Superintendent Crowhurst Road
Russell.Whitfield@sussex.pnn.police.uk Brighton, East Sussex
BN1 8AF

Kate Matthews Sussex Police 0845 60 70 999

MAPPA Officer Crowhurst Road
Kate.Matthews@sussex.pnn.police.uk Brighton, East Sussex
BN1 8AF

SUSSEX PROBATION AREA ADDRESS PHONE

Nick Smart Sussex Probation Service 01273 227979

Assistant Chief Officer 185 Dyke Road
Nick.Smart@sussex.probation.gsi.gov.uk Hove, East Sussex
BN3 1TL

SURREY, SUSSEX & ADDRESS PHONE

KENT PRISON SERVICE

Jim Benson Surrey, Sussex & Kent 07973 457502

Public Protection Lead Area Office
James.Benson@hmps.gsi.gov.uk 80 Sir Evelyn Street
Rochester, Kent
ME1 3NF

page 21
Strategic Management Board Business Plan 2006 - 2007

MAPPA Development Strategy

Strategic Aim Delivery Plan And Milestones Resource Outcome Progress
Owner

Achieve dedicated Confirm permanent June 06 Jointly funded by Consistent quality of

MAPPA Co-ordination administrator in post Police and Probation minute taking and data
and Administration (KM) collection
capacity across Sussex
MAPPA Review MAPPA Officer Sept 06 Effective business
role in line with management of
requirements of Business MAPPA
Plan & of National
Guidance (JB/NS/RW)

Adoption & promotion Review existing materials Oct 06 MAPPA Co-ordina- MAPPA processes are
of operational guid- in the light of further tor and managers clear and understood
ance for staff working national guidance from RA agencies by staff
within MAPPA including national
templates for referrals &
minutes (KM)

Consider feasibility of Feasibility study to be March 07 SMB sub-group Improved risk

greater joint working produced (RA leads & management through
and co-location of key SMB members) closer joint working
MAPPA operational
staff

MAPPA Development Strategy

Strategic Aim Delivery Plan And Milestones Resource Outcome Progress
Owner

Establish procedure SMB sub-group to Oct 06 SMB members or Lessons are learned
for the SMB to review develop proposed their representatives and practice adapted
the cases of MAPPA procedure for adoption where appropriate
offenders who commit by SMB to be informed
Serious Further by national guidance
Offences (as defined in expected June 06 (RW)
PC 54/03)

Analyse quarterly Database is established July 06 Sussex Police IT Data trends are
statistics concerning and updated to accurately dept. Prison Service analysed to aid
numbers, diversity collate this data (KM) have offered strategic planning.
profile and throughput psychologist input
of cases managed at Referral forms are July 06 Annual Report data is
MAPPA levels 1 to 3 amended to capture data robust
regarding the gender,
ethnicity & disability
status of offenders
managed by MAPPA (KM)

page 22
 MAPPA Development Strategy
Strategic Aim Delivery Plan And Milestones Resource Outcome Progress
Owner

Procedures to audit SMB sub-group to Oct 06 Need to consider Improved risk

practice quality are develop proposals for resourcing of management resulting
developed including adoption (NS) standing audit and from replication of
analysis of levels of monitoring best practice
co-operation by agen- procedures
cies in level 2 & 3 case
management

Communication & Strategic Partnerships Strategy

Progress
Strategic Aim Delivery Plan And Milestones Resource Outcome
Owner

Publication of an SMB sub-group to June 06 SMB sub-group Enhanced public

Annual Report in line consider means to confidence through
with ministerial develop annual report to greater understanding
guidance and PPLU improve public under- of MAPPA
advice standing & engagement
(KM, Communications
Managers, Lay Advisers)

Develop a SMB RA leads to work with March 07 Communications Enhanced public

Communications Communications expertise confidence through
Strategy managers to develop the Nationally produced greater understanding
strategy taking account of materials of MAPPA
national communications
strategy currently under
development (JB/NS/RW)

Improve strategic Present MAPPA Business Oct 06 Improved risk

co-ordination of Plan to Sussex Criminal management through
arrangements with Justice Board & the 3 joining up existing
other public Local Safeguarding Boards structures
protection structures (JB/NS/RW)

MAPPA improvement April 06

objective included in
LCJB business Plan

Training Strategy
Strategic Aim Delivery Plan And Milestones Resource Outcome Progress
Owner

Develop a MAPPA RA leads to co-ordinate a March 07 National training More effective business
training strategy to group of agency training pack being processes and risk
include: induction for leads assembled management
new practitioners,
training for SMB
members, co-ordinator,
administrators & ‘duty
to co-operate’ agencies

page 23
page 24
Sussex Multi Agency Public
Protection Arrangements
Annual Report 2005/06