The agencies who work together to manage violent and sexual offenders have launched a new website to help the public gain a greater understanding of the important work they do.

The Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) comprise of three Responsible Authorities - the Police, Probation Service and the Prison Service. They work together with other key agencies to manage the risk posed by convicted sexual and violent offenders when they are released back into the community.

The website aims to increase public understanding and confidence in how authorities work to protect communities and minimise the risks posed by high-risk offenders.

The chairman of York and North Yorkshire MAPPA, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Read of North Yorkshire Police, said: "The safety and protection of the public is our first priority at all times.

"Sexual and violent crime causes fear in the community and it is important that the public are kept informed of the vital work carried out by MAPPA.

"No society is risk-free and we cannot eliminate risk completely, but we have one of the most advanced systems in the world for monitoring and managing dangerous offenders.

"Since its introduction in 2001, MAPPA has gone from strength to strength and is internationally respected as a way of managing high-risk offenders.

"The website provides a raft of information which clearly explains how and why we work together to protect our communities."

Pauline Stokell the Strategic Manager for York and North Yorkshire MAPPA , added: "The website demonstrates the positive working relationships that exist between all agencies that together make up the MAPPA structure.

"Communities in North Yorkshire and the City of York should feel confident and reassured that through our strong partnership's approach and robust management of offenders, we are making North Yorkshire a safer place."

The three Responsible Authorities work together with Children's Services, Adult and Community Services, Youth Offending Teams, health service providers, local housing authorities, registered social landlords, Jobcentre Plus and electronic monitoring providers.

There are four Protecting Vulnerable People Units across North Yorkshire's policing area which link in to a central, joint Public Protection Unit where police and probation officers screen and assess all MAPPA offenders.