MULTI-AGENCY PUBLIC PROTECTION PANEL

CUMBRIA

ANNUAL REPORT
2001 – 2002
i. INTRODUCTION
Local arrangements for the management and assessment of violent and sexual
offenders began in response to the Sex Offenders Act 1997. Since 1998,
collaborative and effective frameworks to promote public protection as a priority
area of work, have been developed by the Police and Probation Services in
Cumbria.

We have built on those arrangements and we now have multi-agency protocols

agreed by the Police, Probation, Social Services, Health Services, Housing
providers, the NSPCC and Youth Offending Teams on the assessment and
management of sex offenders and other dangerous offenders.

The importance of these arrangements has been clearly identified in the Police
and Probation Area Plans for Cumbria. This first annual report will provide further
details of the arrangements made in Cumbria and gives contact points for any
additional enquiries including agencies other than the Police and Probation.

ii. SUMMARY OF ROLES AND

RESPONSIBLITIES
The Police and Probation Service in Cumbria lead with the statutory responsibility
to assess and manage the risks posed by sex offenders and violent dangerous
offenders.

However in Cumbria, the support provided by other statutory agencies and

voluntary organisations has enabled a truly collaborative and multi-agency
dimension to be achieved in this challenging area of work.

Quarterly meetings of strategic senior managers, representing statutory and

voluntary groups are held to oversee joint arrangements and monitor their
effectiveness. This has ensured that Health, Social Services, Housing providers,
the Prison Service and voluntary groups are appropriately represented and
engaged with.

The progress of this work recently has been characterised by a willingness on the
part of the other groups to be involved in the management and practice
development of public protection in Cumbria.

All relevant agencies and groups are represented on a case by case basis within
Multi-Agency Public Protection Panels (MAPPP). They provide the accurate
exchange of information and the creation of risk management strategies which
are designed to take account of the needs of individuals and the resources that
different groups can bring to the management of specific cases.

To ensure that all relevant groups have been included in this work, a county wide
launch of the recently published Joint Arrangements Protocol was held. At this
event a wide range of agencies and community groups contributed to the
continuing development of practice within the county.
i.

iii. OUTLINE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS MADE

In addition to the day to day work outlined on page , Cumbria has developed multi-
agency arrangements for the assessment and management of sexual, violent and other
dangerous offenders. Whenever a joint or multi-agency approach would improve public
protection, Police, Probation and any other relevant agencies eg NSPCC, Social Services,
Housing and Health etc, will share information and make joint plans to minimise risk and
reduce any potential harm.

For the highest risk offenders a MAPPP will be convened. Cases for consideration within
a MAPPP will primarily be from the Police and Probation. The case is assessed using the
assessment procedures approved within each agency. (eg OASys* and Structured
Anchored Clinical Judgement 2001). Where the level of perceived risk is regarded as very
high a MAPPP will be convened. Where a high-risk sex offender is registered with the
Police and assessed as very high and there is no other agency involvement, the Police
will convene and chair the MAPPP.

Where an individual is subject to statutory supervision by the Probation Service or is

regarded as being a potentially violent or dangerous offender, the Probation Service
convenes and chairs the MAPPP. Any individual cases that are not subject to statutory
supervision will be referred to the Probation Service for consideration.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Panels are convened to share relevant information on

individuals thought to pose the highest risk to the public. They are attended by managers
and practitioners who are of sufficient seniority within their own organisation to be able to
commit resources of staff time as part of a risk management strategy. In cases where
children are potential victims the Social Services Department and the NSPCC are always
invited.

The purpose of the panel is to identify risk and reduce that risk by means of an agreed
risk management strategy. The focus of planned activity will always be to protect the
public and reduce any likelihood of offending or dangerous behaviour.

MAPPP meetings in Cumbria are held on a case by case basis. They review the progress
of risk management strategies on a regular basis and are monitored and overseen by a
strategic county group of senior managers. A Senior Probation Officer has the functional
responsibility to co-ordinate MAPPP arrangements.

The operating principles and procedures of the MAPPPs are contained in Cumbria’s
protocol on the joint arrangements by the Probation Board and Cumbria Constabulary for
the management and assessment of risks posed by sex offenders and potentially
dangerous offenders.

Locally based management groups have also been established to ensure joint
assessments of relevant individuals by the Police, Probation and other relevant agencies.
Joint risk assessments are undertaken and very high-risk cases are referred for a MAPPP
to be convened. All other cases will be the subject of case discussion and information
exchange within the agreed protocols.

All MAPPP meetings are chaired by either the Police (Detective Chief Inspector) or
Probation (Assistant Chief Officer or Senior Probation Officer). The agenda and minutes
of the MAPPPs conform to an agreed format and are contained within a High Risk
Database.

In relevant cases, access to accredited offending behaviour programmes may be initiated

within a MAPPP risk management strategy e.g. Sex Offender Treatment Programme, a
joint initiative of Probation, Social Services and the NSPCC.
i.

iv. STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Within Cumbria a Multi-Agency Public Protection Strategy Group has been formed to
ensure the requirements of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 are
implemented and best practice is promoted.

The group has senior and middle manager representation from the following agencies in
Cumbria:-

Police
Probation
NSPCC
Health Service
HM Prison Service
Social Services
Housing
Youth Offending Team

The group provides strategic oversight of the management and assessment procedures of
relevant offenders within the county and evaluates area wide statistical returns. In addition
the group:-

- Reviews procedures as appropriate

- Disseminates and promotes best practice
- Prepares reports for the Chief Constable and Probation Board
- Oversees collaboration in regard to statistical reports for the county

The group has developed a close and effective network of relationships that has provided
clear leadership for the county. This was demonstrated by the highly successful launch of
the Multi-Agency Joint Arrangements which received significant support and media
coverage.

Registered Sex Offenders and the Police National Computer

Persons cautioned by the Police or convicted by a court of a relevant offence are obliged
to register with the Police. They are served with a notice informing them of their
obligations to do so. If they are sentenced to imprisonment this is done by the court at the
time of conviction and upon release from prison, they are again reminded of their
obligation.

Once they have been served with such a notice, offenders are recorded on the Police
National Computer as an “unregistered” sex offender. This allows us to monitor
compliance. Once they have registered, the PNC record is updated to “registered”. Any
changes are also updated on PNC. The PNC system also allows us to ‘flag’ offenders
who have not registered within the 7 day stipulated period and recently (March 2002) one
of our offenders who was on the PNC as wanted/missing was arrested at Heathrow
Airport for failing to register.

Offenders must register in person at Workington, Whitehaven, Penrith, Carlisle, Kendal

and Barrow Police Stations only. At those stations we have Sex Offender Registration
Officers to specifically deal with them.

Cumbria Constabulary recently completed an exercise of pro-actively using the PNC to

identify registered sex offenders whose DNA was not recorded on the national DNA
database. Those that weren’t included were flagged to have it obtained at the next
opportunity. We only have one person who has not registered, so from 147 that is not a
bad compliance rate. With the National Criminal Intelligence Service, we are making
enquiries to trace the outstanding offender who is believed to be abroad.
i.

v. DISCLOSURE
Specific information on individuals is made available to the public where it is
identified that such disclosures would reduce the risks posed and serve to protect
the public from individual offenders.

Any disclosure is subject to discussion within a MAPPP meeting and endorsed as

part of any risk management strategy confirmed by a senior manager.

Examples in Cumbria of effective disclosure have included:-

¾ A 27 year old male was released from a 3 year term of imprisonment for sexual
offences against children. The man was subject to an extended licence
supervised by the Probation Service. Prior to release a MAPPP was held where a
joint strategy of rigorous supervision, surveillance and support was agreed
between the Police, Probation, Housing providers and the Health Service.

Due to the nature of the man’s offending it was felt appropriate to advise staff of
local libraries and leisure facilities of his description and whereabouts. This was
undertaken by the Police. When it became apparent that the man was behaving
inappropriately and visiting specific leisure facilities, his licence was immediately
revoked and he was returned to custody before any sexual offences were
committed.

¾ A 51 year old male served an eight year term of imprisonment for serious assaults
against females. The man was subject to rigorous licence conditions, supervised
by the Probation Service following release from prison.

A series of MAPPP meetings were held and as part of the risk management
strategy it was agreed that the Police and Probation Service would undertake joint
interviews with the man. This led to contact being established with a number of
individuals with whom he had established a relationship. They were clearly
advised of the man’s background and potential risks in order to prevent any
further victims. In addition, prior to any job interviews, the offender’s prospective
employer was contacted and visited by Police and Probation to ensure they were
fully informed of the man’s background. This approach was supported by effective
liaison with the local employment service.

As part of our approach to informing the public of the work undertaken in their
behalf, a Public Protection Media Protocol has been established in Cumbria. The
protocol allows effective liaison with representatives of the local press to ensure
relevant and appropriate information is shared when required with the press.

The launch of the Joint Arrangements Protocol in March 2002 provided the press
with a significant opportunity to support the process of informing the public of this
work. The event was covered by BBC Radio Cumbria, Border Television News
and four regional newspapers
i.

vi. VICTIMS WORK

The victims charter, National Standards for the Supervision of Offenders and
relevant Probation Circulars, all place specific responsibilities upon the Probation
Service to either deliver services directly to victims and their families or to take
account of their interests in work with offenders. The achievement of these
responsibilities is a priority for the Service and one in which performance is
monitored and evaluated on an annual basis.

Section 69 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act created a new statutory
duty for the Probation Service to make contact with the victims of violent or sexual
offences where the offender was sentenced to between 12 months and 4 years
imprisonment. A system already existed for the victims of offenders serving more
than 4 years.

Victim Contact Officers, within the Probation Service, make written contact with
relevant victims or the family or partner within two months of sentence being
passed. An offer of an appointment is made so that the Victim Contact Officer can
explain the sentence and discuss any issues surrounding a release date when
known.

Victims are offered the opportunity to be kept informed in regard to significant

stages during the offender’s term of imprisonment. The victim is also invited to
make comments on any licence requirements required of the prisoner on release
e.g. not to make contact with named individuals.

Increasingly in Cumbria the work of the Victim Contact Officers is informing the
work of MAPPPs and this often leads to action protect victims as part of a risk
management strategy e.g. contact with the Police and installation of security
alarms in the homes of vulnerable victims.

On average, the Probation Service is in contact with 40 victims across the county
at any one time. Victim Contact work is quite different to the Victim Support
Scheme which can be contacted on:- Victim Support Scheme, Lime House,
Wetheral, Cumbria, CA4 8EW, 01228 562638.

Victim Contact Officers liaise with Victim Support Schemes where additional
support is required for victims.
vii. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
i. The number of registered sex offenders on 31 March each 147
year.

ii. The number of sex offenders having a registration 9

requirement who were either cautioned or convicted for breaches of
the requirement, between 1 April and 31 March.

iii. The number of Sex Offenders Orders applied or and gained

between 1 April and 31 March.
0
(a) The total number applied for.
0
(b) The number granted.
0
(c) The number not granted.
1
(d) The number of applications still in progress.

i. The number of offenders considered under the arrangements

prescribed by sections 67 and 68 of the Act.

147
• All registered sex offenders (as above).
44
• All offenders who fall within section 68 (3) on or after 1 April 2001 up
to and including 31 March 2002 (unless they already feature as a
registered sex offender). The meaning of sexual or violent offence
for the purpose of this subsection is provided at Annex A).
6
• Any other offender considered under the local multi-agency
arrangements because they were assessed as posing a high risk of
serious harm to the public (but who did not fall within either of the
two categories immediately above)
viii. ADDITIONAL COST OF LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
Probation Board Police Other Agencies Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Staff costs 7.5 7.5 1.5 16

Other costs 1.5 2.5 - -

Total Expenditure 7.5 7.5 1.5 16

Income - - - -

Net Expenditure 16 7.5 - 34

Set up costs 1.5 2.5 - -

included in net
expenditure
i.

MEMBERS OF THE MULTI-AGENCY PUBLIC PROTECTION

STRATEGY GROUP

Name Title Address Tel No E-mail Address

Alan K Gadman Assistant Chief Officer National Probation Service 01228 alan.gadman@cumbria.
Cumbria Headquarters 560057 probation.gsx.gov.uk
Lime House
Wetheral
Cumbria CA4 8EW
Stuart Hamilton Senior Probation Officer National Probation Service 01229 stuart.hamilton@cumbria.
Barrow Office 820870 probation.gsx.gov.uk
10 Lawson Street
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria LA14 2LW
Fiona Hawkeswell Senior Practitioner Youth Offending Team 01228 cumbria.yot@btinternet.
5 Brunswick Street 607380 com
Carlisle
Cumbria CA1 1PB
Keith Hubbard Governor HMP Haverigg 01229 no e-mail address
Millom 772131
Cumbria LA18 4NA
Mike Head Force Press Officer Cumbria Constabulary 01228 michael.head@cumbria.
Police Headquarters 528191 police.uk
Carleton Hall
Penrith
Cumbria CA10 2AU
Peter Kirkbride Detective Superintendent Cumbria Constabulary 01228 peter.kirkbride@cumbria.
(Operations) Police Headquarters 528191 police.uk
Carleton Hall
Penrith
Cumbria CA10 2AU
Liz Benson Children Service NSPCC 01228 ebenson@nspcc.org.uk
Manager (Catalyst) 7 Chatsworth Square 521829
Carlisle
Cumbria CA1 1HB
Paul Carrigan Development Officer Carlisle District Housing 01228 Paulca@carlisle-city.gov.
Representing North Civic Centre 817323 uk
Cumbria Housing Forum Carlisle
Cumbria CA3 8QG
North Cumbria Health Auth
Len Wainwright Forensic Services 01228 len.wainwright@ncha.nhs.
Wavell Drive
Manager 603543 uk
Rosehill Industrial Estate
Carlisle
Cumbria CA1 2ST
Jon Gallagher Drug & Alcohol Manager Morecambe Bay Primary 01229 margaret.chadwick@
Adult Mental Health Care Trust 491339 mbpct.nhs.uk
Cane Garth
c/o Furness General
Hospital
Dalton Lane
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria LA14 4LF
Janet Hambley Area Purchasing Social Services 01946 no e-mail address
Manager for Children Somerset House 852852
Duke Street
Whitehaven
Cumbria CA28 7SQ