More than 800 registered sex offenders living in Dorset

Police forces, probation services and other government agencies keep tabs on dangerous criminals living in communities in England and Wales using special management plans known as Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.

Ministry of Justice figures show 846 registered sex offenders were being managed under MAPPA in the Dorset Police area as of March this year.

That is a rate of 122 offenders for every 100,000 people, above the average for England and Wales, of 119.

Sex offenders sentenced to at least 30 months in prison remain on the register indefinitely – although some can apply to be removed after 15 years, following a change to the law in 2012.

Dorset Police removed 12 people from the register following an application last year, with the number of sex offenders growing by 6% from 2018-19.

Across England and Wales, 62,435 sex offenders are being monitored by police – an increase of 4% on 2018-19.

The MoJ said this rise was because of increases in average custodial sentence length and the requirement for many sexual offenders to register for long periods of time.

The vast majority in Dorset are classed as level one offenders, which means police and other agencies share information about them, but no special measures are required.

But offenders in Dorset were placed in the level two category six times during 2019-20, meaning agencies have to hold regular meetings to discuss them.

These offenders pose such a big risk that additional resources such as specialised accommodation may be needed to manage them.

Registered sex offenders have to tell police of any changes to their circumstances, such as their address, foreign travel plans, and potential contact with children.

In Dorset, 50 offenders were cautioned or convicted for failing to do so last year.

The figures also show that 173 violent offenders – those who have committed crimes such as murder, kidnapping and grievous bodily harm – were living in Dorset in March.

But this could also include other sexual offenders who are not required to be on the register.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Dorset Police’s MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offender and Violent Offenders) Unit, said: “It is recognised in the MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) Annual Report that there continues to be a national year on year increase in the number of Registered Sex Offenders driven by sentencing trends, increases in the average custodial sentence length and the requirement for many sexual offenders to register for longer periods of time.

“Dorset Police is committed to working with our partners from the National Probation Service, Her Majesty’s Prison Service, children’s services and other relevant agencies to ensure we continue to do all we can to protect our communities from those who pose a risk to the public and manage offenders appropriately.

"Our working practices in Dorset are fully in line with the National Police Chief’s Council Guidance, College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice and other national guidelines, and we are determined to ensure that the highest of standards are maintained.”

Abigail Gill, policy and public affairs manager at the NSPCC, said: “It’s vital the system is able to manage and monitor these offenders in the community to rehabilitate them and ensure children and young people are protected.

“Sexual abuse has an absolutely devastating impact on young lives and this strategy must focus on prevention and put the experiences and needs of children at its heart.”

The NSPCC is calling for the Home Office's promised Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy to be implemented without delay, urging the Government to ensure it joins up cross-department efforts to prevent sexual abuse across society.

In response, the Government said the national strategy will be published before the end of the year.

A MoJ spokesman said: “We are increasing prison time for the most dangerous sex offenders and when they are released they go on the sex offender register and can be brought back to jail if they break their strict license conditions.

“As sex offenders are required to register for long periods of time, many for life, the number monitored continues to grow as more are caught and convicted.”