ACPO comment on reforming the notification requirements for registered sex offenders

ACPO lead on the management of sexual offenders and violent offenders Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, said:

"It is recognised that the legislation under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the multi-agency public protection arrangements provide some of the most effective tools in the world to manage registered sex offenders.

“Protecting the public from harm is a fundamental role for the police service but we recognise that this must be balanced with the rights of individuals, as highlighted by the Supreme Court judgement. We have worked closely with the Home Office and other key partners to develop a robust review process that ensures a full assessment of the risks posed before an offender is removed from the notification requirements.

“The reality is that the risks posed by some offenders can never be completely eliminated, but we will continue to do all in our power to keep them to a minimum and believe that the proposed review process strikes the right balance between individual rights and public safety."

In April 2010 the Home Office lost its appeal to the Supreme Court in the case F & Thompson v Secretary of State for the Home Department. The court declared that the lack of opportunity for sex offenders, whose crimes mean that they will be registered as a sex offender for life, to seek a review of this requirement was a breach of their Article 8 rights

For more information about the consultation, please click here: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/sex-offenders

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk