Supervision and Management of Sex Offenders - June 2009
Training in the use of sex offender risk assessment instruments was completed in January 2009 with over 120 probation staff based both in the community and prison.
The Probation Service has committed to delivering a standard risk process for the risk assessment of sex offenders in keeping with Governmental / Intergovernmental Policy. The use of a standard approach is in line with the system currently being implemented on a multi agency basis in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Close working relationships are being maintained with colleagues in Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana to ensure shared learning and to maximise the use of scarce resources. The application of this consistent approach by different agencies and across jurisdictions will add considerably to public safety.
The introduction of this risk assessment system will mark a significant step for the Probation Service in the supervision and management of sex offenders. The use of a static risk assessment instrument will assist the Probation Service to identify those offenders that pose a greater risk to public safety and on whom interventions should be focused, thus promoting the efficient use of resources. In addition, the use of a dynamic risk assessment instrument will assist the Probation Service in identifying specific risk areas for targeting during supervision thus ensuring a more effective risk management of sex offenders.
