Working with Risk and Dangerousness

When potentially dangerous offenders return to the community, either after release from prison, or on a Community Order, a Multi Agency Public Protection Panel meets to assess and manage the risks they pose. A risk management plan is then drawn up outlining how the risks will be managed and by whom. MAPPPs involve close partnership work between probation, the police, prisons, social services, the health authority, accommodation providers, and any other appropriate agencies. The panels are powerful and have a wide range of choices available to them – including the power to make some offenders live in approved premises. This partnership approach allows us to focus on the details of each case and share information so that we can make a co-ordinated and effective response to combat the risks that dangerous offenders pose.

The MAPPA Annual Report contains many case-studies which illustrate the work of the Multi Agency Public Protection Panel.

The concerns of the victims, where known, are always considered in MAPPP meetings and taken into account in risk assessments and risk management plans. Our dedicated Victim Services Units inform victims of any decisions.

Working with Victims of Crime

North Yorkshire Probation Area has worked with victims of crime for many years. Our Victim Contact Unit provides information to victims of sexual or violent crime, or their families, about offenders given custodial sentences of more than 12 months of more.

Victims and families are kept informed about the offender’s sentence, progress in prison, how decisions are made about release from prison, safeguards available after the offender is released and help from schemes such as Victim Support. They are offered face to face appointments with unit staff, where they can express views, raise concerns and make sure their wishes are known.

Concerns about an offender can be passed onto prison authorities and taken into account when release is being considered. When an offender is released on licence from prison, this can include conditions to keep away from the victim and their home. Failure to comply can lead to their licence being revoked.

The Probation Service also works with offenders to make them understand the impact their crimes have had, and may continue to have, on their victims.