UK Home Office: Essex
UK Home Office: Essex
UK Home Office: Essex
The Government is also strengthening the protection of the public with other
measures in the Criminal Justice Bill. They include new sentences for dangerous
offenders to prevent their release if they continue to be dangerous. Additionally,
the Sexual Offences Bill will tighten up sex offender registration, introduce a new
offence of 'grooming', and enable sex offender orders to be imposed on violent
offenders who pose a risk of causing serious sexual harm - thereby extending
sex offender registration to them.
I commend this report to you and congratulate all the agencies and individuals
who have contributed to the achievement of the MAPPA locally in your local
Area.
1
The National Picture
The most important work undertaken within the MAPPA is done locally, led by the police and probation - who act
jointly as the 'Responsible Authority' in your Area - and in each of the 42 Areas of England and Wales. The
experience and good practice upon which this work is based began in the 1990s - most significantly as a result of
the closer working relationship required by the Sex Offender Act (1997). The Criminal Justice and Courts Services
Act (2000) formalised that relationship and built on the existing experience by requiring the police and probation
services to establish arrangements (the MAPPA) for assessing and managing the risks posed by sexual and violent
offenders. The Act also required the Responsible Authority to publish an annual report on the operation of those
arrangements. This report, covering April 2002 to March 2003, is the second annual report.
Supporting and co-ordinating the development of the MAPPA, throughout the 42 Areas of England and Wales, is the
National Probation Directorate's Public Protection Unit (PPU). This Unit acts as a central point for advice and,
increasingly, involvement in the management of difficult cases. These include, for example, UK citizens who have
committed serious offences abroad and return to this country without anywhere to live. The Unit is also able to
provide financial support when the risk management plans make exceptional demands upon local resources.
The purpose of appointing 'lay advisers' is to ensure that communities understand more of what is done to protect
them and that those involved professionally with the MAPPA are aware of the views of the community. The lay
advisers will not 'represent' the community in the way, for example, that local councillors do, nor will they be involved
in operational decision-making. And, given the sensitivity of much of what the MAPPA does, especially with the few
2
offenders who pose a very high risk of serious harm to the public, it is not
White Male, aged 45, Essex
practicable for the general public to be involved. Lay advisers will,
however, ensure an appropriate and a practical level of community
Previous multiple
involvement.
convictions for
pre-planned
MAPPA Offenders
indecent assault on
This year the annual report provides a more detailed breakdown of the boys and girls aged
number of sexual and violent offenders who are covered by the MAPPA 12 - 16: pre-targeted
in your Area. As last year, the figures include the number of registered strangers
sex offenders. Because sex offender registration is for a minimum of 5
This man was released from imprisonment after a
years (and generally for much longer) the figures are cumulative. This is substantial sentence, and then received treatment in
why they have increased - by 16 per cent in England and Wales. Only a a residential secure unit for very high-risk sex
offenders.
very small proportion (about six per cent throughout England and Wales)
Subject to regular MAPPP meetings, he was
are considered to pose such a high risk or management difficulty that discharged from treatment to accommodation which
they are referred to the highest level of the MAPPA - the Multi-Agency had been planned and approved by police and
probation, and which had been subject to detailed
Public Protection Panels (the MAPPP). discussion with the housing agency.
A “Lifeline” telephone service was set up with the
Figures alone do not, of course, tell the whole story. The anonymised original treatment agency.
Liaison between the Victims Unit and Social
case studies illustrate the practical work of the MAPPA, and demonstrate Services ensured that victims and their families
the preventive action which can be taken. Prior to the MAPPA, action of were contacted, and offered substantial support.
this kind was mainly taken by one agency alone, with the effect that on Extra conditions were inserted in the offender’s
parole licence, which included requirements that he
occasion offenders' behaviour which might have triggered preventative would be allowed no contact with children, would not
action went unnoticed. The multi-agency approach of the MAPPA helps visit parts of Essex where previous known victims
lived, and that he was to live where directed and
ensure that if an offender does breach the condition of the licence under
undertake further treatment in the community. He
which they were released from prison or a court order prohibiting certain would attend the Community Sex Offender
activities, then action to enforce the condition or order and protect the programme as directed, to reinforce the skills he
had acquired in preventing relapse.
public can be taken more swiftly. He was subject to police surveillance and regular
monitoring visits. Any trips he made were escorted.
Public disclosure was made to his employer.
At the end of the parole licence, a voluntary
“contract” was drawn up with the police. Intermittent
MAPPP meetings are maintained, to review and
assess his progress.
Police visits continue, as does voluntary contact
If you are interested in reading the reports of other Areas, they will be published with the Probation Service.
on the National Probation Service's website www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk
(under the public protection section).
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Essex: a diverse area
Essex Probation:
Tessa Webb,
Assistant Chief Officer
Essex Police:
(Public Protection)
Liam Brigginshaw
Assistant Chief
Constable Essex Social
Services:
North Essex
Ann Goldsmith, Southend Social Mental Health
Head of Children Care: Partnership
and Families Meera Spillett: NHS Trust: Essex Youth
Asst. Director Carol Edward Offending Services:
Children & Young Area Director Tanya Gillett, Head
People’s Services of Y.O.S
Essex Police:
Bob Seals
Detective Chief
Inspector
Essex Police:
Essex Probation: Allan Taplin, Essex Social Thurrock Social
Andy Wills, Senior MAPP Manager Services: Services:
Probation Officer,
David Watts, Mark Gurrey, Head
(Public Protection)
County Safeguards of Children and
Co-ordinator Families Services
Southend Youth
Offending Services:
Derek Eyre, YOT
Thurrock Youth
Team Manager
Offending Services:
Peter Kay, YOT
Team Manager
5
Roles and Responsibilities
Each area must have a National Probation Service - Essex Area the Council's housing stock and the social
"responsible authority". For Essex Supervises offenders in the community care provision for children and adults in need
this responsibility is held jointly by subject to orders made by the Courts and of support or protection.
offenders who are released from prison on
the probation and police services.
licence. Thurrock Housing and Social Care
However, senior representatives of
Department
all contributing agencies have Essex Police Within the Unitory Authority, has
worked hard this year to take Alongside many responsibilities to tackle and responsibility for children and family
forward the work of the MAPPA. reduce crime, Essex Police complies with a services; services for all vulnerable adults
statutory duty to maintain the sex offender including older people, as well as
The most effective work to protect register. Gathering and sharing intelligence responsibilities for housing within the
the public from sexual, violent and with agencies on the MAPP panels, it also Borough.
other dangerous offenders takes provides a suitable level of monitoring to
place when all relevant agencies enable early identification of adverse Essex, Southend and Thurrock Youth
play their part in contributing to behaviour. Offending Teams
sharing information, assessing Supervise young offenders (10 to 18 years
Essex Social Services old) in the community on orders from the
and managing the risks posed.
Responsible for providing services to court and on release following custodial
Currently, the formal signatories to
vulnerable people, their children and their sentences.
the protocol, and their families, to the elderly, and to those with
responsibilities, are: mental health, learning, physical or sensory North Essex Mental Health NHS
disabilities; and for ensuring the safety of Partnership Trust
those for whom they provide services, Provides services for users, carers and local
particularly children. communities, including commitment to
preventing harm and self harm by those
Southend Social Care Department people who are assessed and diagnosed as
Responsible for managing and maintaining suffering from a mental health condition.
14 District & Unitary Councils which will Premier Monitoring: responsible for the Victim Support Scheme: provides a free
include housing departments who have arrangements for monitoring offenders and confidential service for victims, victims'
statutory duties to accommodate homeless subject to home curfew orders made by the families and witnesses of crime. Trained
people and who provide housing from their court, and who are subject to curfew staff are able to offer emotional support,
available stock. following release from prison. information and practical help to victims of
crime. The recently appointed Manager for
South Essex Partnership NHS Trust: The Prison Service (Eastern Region): Victim Support has met with the Assistant
works with partner agencies to provide responsible for sentence planning and Chief Officer (Public Protection) to ensure a
mental health, drug and alcohol, and appropriate release arrangements which will full Victim Support contribution.
learning disability services to South Essex; maximise public protection.
forensic mental health services, including NSPCC: This organisation's reponsibility for
Medium and Low Secure in-patient facilities, Job Centre Plus, who will make a the protection of children will enhance the
as well as community forensic services contribution to ensuring that suitable checks knowledge and expertise available to the
across Essex. There are also two Criminal are in place to protect vulnerable people. MAPPA. The Stop It Now campaign will be
Justice Mental Health Teams working with fully supported by MAPPA.
Southend, Basildon and Grays courts.
6
Extending the arrangements further
In addition, work is required to and alcohol services, education, the space of time to develop the MAPP
formalise arrangements and liaison Crown Prosecution Service, and arrangements in Essex, there is still a
between the Area Child Protection housing associations. great deal to be done, and the MAPPA
Committees for Essex, Southend and Strategic Management Board are
Thurrock; and also the Crime and Consideration will be given to the determined to drive this forward.
Disorder Panels. arrangements between MAPPA and
the newly created Primary Care Trusts
Work will also be undertaken to extend for health.
and enhance arrangements with other It is recognised that while a lot of
treatment providers, such as drugs ground has been covered in a short
7
Managing the MAPPA
The strategic management of the Additional signatories have been data. A 'quality' survey of meetings
Essex MAPPA is currently added to the multi-agency protocol. has been carried out, and
undertaken by the Steering Group, improvement objectives set. These
chaired by the Assistant Chief Presentations have been made to have been shared with operational
Officer of Probation responsible the local government Chief Executives probation managers at the four-
for Public Protection. It consists of group on the work of MAPPA monthly meetings chaired by the ACO
senior representatives from Police, (Public Protection).
Agreement was achieved on jointly-
Probation, Social Services, Youth
funded MAPPA manager and MAPPA Essex Probation Public Protection
Offending, and Mental Health.
administrator posts, to be team constantly monitors critical "risk
implemented in April 2003. They will factors" and identifies areas for
Both the Steering Group and the work with all the agencies involved, improvement.
Planning and Implementation particularly the Essex Police Public
group have met regularly. Protection Unit, the Social Services Two Senior Probation Officers share
"Planning and Implementation" is Co-ordinators in Essex, Southend and specialist lead roles for public
attended by operational managers Thurrock, and the Probation Service protection and the supervision of sex
from each contributing agency. In Public Protection Team. offenders. Essex Probation is funding
addition Essex Housing Group and The MAPPA manager will ensure that doctorate research into 'risk and re-
South Essex NHS Partnership consistent arrangements are in place offending'.
Trust have also been represented. for the assessment and management
of relevant sexual, violent and other Specific sex offender, domestic
dangerous offenders, in accord with violence, and anger treatment/training
Considerable developmental work
the Essex MAPPA protocol. programmes for offenders are
has been undertaken in 2002 / provided which are implemented to
2003, based on the further national Information is regularly collected accredited standards (where
guidance, developing expertise about the frequency of meetings, the applicable). Other agencies are
and local experience, and including location, and the level of agency involved in their implementation.
the following areas of work: representation, as well as statistical The Sex Offender programme takes
This man’s past history includes a poor family background, with an alcoholic father.
The offender had himself been abused as a child. In adult life, his reactions to
perceived provocation were frequently violent, especially when under the influence
of drink.
He received a sentence of imprisonment for the glassing offence and was later
released under supervision on an Automatic Conditional Release (ACR) licence.
An Information Exchange meeting was called with the relevant agencies. On this occasion it was the
Probation Service sharing the information held on this man with the Police and Social Services, who had
no involvement in his case, or knowledge of his current offending.
A decision was taken to refer supervision back to Probation, who continue to work with him, monitoring his
family and personal relationships, employment, and level of substance abuse.
Part of his supervision requirements is attendance at a specialist agency, which is in partnership with the
Probation Service, and provides advice on alcohol and drugs reduction. Very important to the handling of
this man’s case was a general analysis, made with him, of his offending behaviour. The Probation Service
used a cognitive-behavioural approach to do this, identifying the thoughts and feelings associated with the
triggers which set off his violence. He was helped to analyse and learn from past incidents, and
encouraged to use a carefully structured method of dealing with his anger and frustration in a non-
confrontational way. As another element in his supervision he attended a 38-session programme called
Reasoning and Rehabilitation, which teaches people problem-solving and constructive thinking skills.
No further offending has been recorded to date, but the risk remains at “medium”.
8
about a year to complete and forms Current developments in the investigations, collaborating with the
part of a three-year Community Order, assessment and treatment of internet relevant agencies to ensure the
or a condition of licence following child sex crimes inform both treatment successful conduct of a massive
release from prison. It has been provision in Essex, and the operation.
extensively developed by development of national expertise in
internationally recognised experts in this part of our work. Specific training Social Services in Essex have
the field of sex offender research and has been planned this year to expand developed a unique and valuable
practice. staff knowledge and awareness of the County Safeguards Unit, and
The Domestic Violence programme issues around this sensitive area. contribute significantly to the
is available in two areas within the development and implementation of
county. Aimed at male perpetrators, it Representation from Essex MAPPA.
demands that
participants have Members of the
some level of MAPPA Steering
motivation to address Group in Essex
their behaviour. The have also
programme is participated in
delivered in shaping the
partnership with national picture.
Women's Aid and Fiona Harris and
SERICC to ensure David Watts, from
that supportive and Essex Social
safe processes are in Services, joined a
place for partners range of agency
and children involved representatives
in the men's lives. (It from across the
is anticipated that the UK to contribute to
Home Office a Home Office
accredited working group
programme will tasked with
replace this local reviewing existing
provision when the arrangements,
full accreditation process is complete). Probation will be contributing to the identifying good practice, and
Aggression Replacement Training is development of a national joint police / developing more specific guidance for
a 31-session programme which probation information system for the the MAPPA process.
assumes that any and every offending recording of MAPPA intelligence.
act has multiple causes. Aiming to deal The police have made a significant Information audits have been carried
with the personal, interpersonal, social contribution through the MAPPA out between Probation, Police and
and cognitive skills often lacking in Co-ordinator role and the Public Social Services departments to ensure
many offenders, this programame Protection Unit based in the Force consistency of recording of known
commences in Essex from May 2003. Intelligence Bureau. offenders who are subject to inter-
The Reasoning and Rehabilitation agency child protection arrangements,
programme offers cognitive skills The intelligence operation mounted or who are designated under Schedule
training, based on the premise that last summer to gather information on 1 of the C&YP Act 1933 (who have
offenders experience a number of the consumers of child pornography committed an offence against a child
deficits in their thinking skills and that and verify current addresses has been or young person)
the faults and inaccuracies in their followed by arrests of the subjects and
thinking processes can increase the seizure of computers. (It is anticipated The Young Offender Teams, as well
risk of re-offending. The programme that the prosecutions instigated will as working within a multi-agency
teaches a step-by-step problem contribute to a significant change in setting, have also developed a
solving process, combined with social numbers of MAPPA cases in the Sexually Abusive Behaviours Panel for
skills, creative thinking tools, coming year). young offenders. All young sex
management of emotions and value offenders, and others who are viewed
reasoning. It is delivered twice weekly The excellent multi-agency working as a risk to the community, are
and takes approximately five months to relationships already existing in Essex discussed in a multi-agency group to
complete. have been modelled by the way the establish the risk they pose. Specialist
Police have lead the Operation Ore workers take on these cases.
9
Considerable contribution to MAPPA less so, a clearer view of their own
operational support and development is agency's role in the MAPPA. White Male, aged 35.
made by the specialist Criminal Justice
Mental Health Teams located around Essex Forensic Mental Health Currently on an
the county, and by the Forensic Services held an inter-agency ACR licence for
Services based in the local medium conference in November 2002 to wounding
secure unit. look at current developments and and possession of
issues in Forensic Mental Health.
an offensive
Presentations have been made jointly Tessa Webb (Essex Probation
weapon
by police and probation to Essex MPs Service) and Allan Taplin (Essex
at the House of Commons, a public Police) presented a paper on the With previous convictions for assault, possession of
meeting organised by South Essex management of dangerous a knife, and alcohol-related offences, there are
Rape and Incest Crisis Centre; a offenders that focused on the role concerns in this case about threats of domestic
meeting for Housing Managers and of the MAPP Panels and their violence, and the potential risk of emotional harm to
Housing Portfolio holders for Essex; a work. This highlighted the children who could be witnessing violent
meeting for Basildon Housing Officers arrangements for working with disputes.The man’s partner is currently pregnant, and
seeking a separation.
and Estate Officers. dangerous offenders; how inter-
agency care provision for those A full MAPPP meeting was held and a risk
A MAPPA conference was held in with mental health problems fitted assessment completed, using information from
Essex in February 2003, chaired by with these statutory arrangements, several agencies. He is currently known to the Police
Jon Silverman, journalist and and how these will develop in the and Social Services, and has been known to Mental
broadcaster with an expertise in future. Health in the past.
paedophile crime, attended by the head Excellent feedback from the The man’s morbid jealousy comined with agencies’
concerns over his depression and excessive drinking
of the National Probation Service conference delegates highlighted
present a picture of very high risk, both to his ex-
Public Protection Unit, and by a Bill the role of the various agencies in partner and anybody associated with her, including
Rammell M.P. for Harlow, who has working with Mentally Disordered any professionals who may intervene, particularly
special interest in this area of work. Offenders and developing services late at night. His occasional threats of suicide,
The information provided and the within Essex. thought to be associated with his low self-esteem,
shared exercises were appreciated as An open offer has been are another serious element in this case.
giving participants, experienced and extended to the 14 Districts to
• The Police shared information on the level of
reported incidents and the number of allegations
made of domestic violence. They will monitor the
incidents and provide their local officers with
information of the background and potential risks.
• Social Services were concerned about the impact
on the children and arranged to provide support and
guidance to the mother.
• The Mental Health worker provided useful
background information, although there is no current
contact. Local mental health teams will be alerted.
• A decision was made to contact schools as part of
a limited disclosure plan, to enable class teachers to
check on the safe collection of children from school.
Information will be sought on current concerns and
warning signs.
• A referral will be made to an alcohol agency.
• Probation staff, using specific assessment tools, will
address the reasons for problems in his relationship
and will look with him at his thoughts and feelings
concerning his separation. The plan will be also to
introduce rational ideas of future risk to his children
and the impact on others of his behaviour. He will
need to become properly aware of this “victims’
perspective” if he is to make real change.
An assessment for and referral to the Domestic
Violence programme will also be made.
An offender convicted of stalking a young woman was due to return from prison to an area away
from the home of his victim. He had vigorously denied any knowledge of the stalking offence, and was
claiming that his actions had been misunderstood.
He was happy to be released to his home address, an event which would
have taken place, had it not been for information offered by the Victim Contact
Liaison Officer. Information received from the victim indicated that one of her
relatives lived near to the offender's address - indeed it was probable that he
had first seen her when she was visiting locally.
This information, offered by the VCLO at the MAPPA meeting, ensured
that a requirement for the offender to live elsewhere be inserted into the Licence.
12
Statistical and Contact information
13
7 Statistical Information No. of Offenders
iii. The number of Sex Offenders Orders applied for and gained
between 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2003
v. The number of violent and other sexual offenders considered under 610
MAPPA during the year 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2003 (as defined (Excludes 98 already counted as
by section 68 [3], [4] and [5]) RSOs)
vi. The number of "other offenders" dealt with under MAPPA during the
year 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2003 as being assessed by the
Responsible Authority as posing a risk of serious harm to the public 19
(but who did not fall within either of the other two categories, as
defined by s.67 [2b])
vii. For each of the three categories of offenders covered by the MAPPA
("registered sex offenders", "violent and other sex offenders" and
"other offenders"), the number of offenders that are or have been
dealt with by:
15
Contacts
16
Essex Youth Offending Service Address Phone
17
Victim Support Scheme Address Phone
(Basildon aand 01268 273703
Castle Point)
Craylands Hall
Norwich Walk
Basildon
SS14 3QZ
Norman Hall
Cromwell Rd
Grays
RM17 5HF
This report is produced in accord with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Sections
67(5)(b) and 67(6) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.
The overall purpose of the report is to inform the local community of how arrangements for the assessment
and management of the risk posed by certain sexual and violent offenders are operating. The report will be
made accessible to the public and will assist in the understanding the nature of offending behaviour and the
considerable efforts made by all agencies involved to enhance public safety.
19
Further copies of this document from the Communications Unit, Essex Probation 01376 501626