The government has recently released data indicating that the number of individuals registered as sex offenders in England and Wales as of 19 Feb 2024 exceeds 68,000.
This is a surge of 6000 compared to the previous year, 2021. In 2009/10, there were a total of 34,939 offenders.
Not surprisingly, the overwhelming number of predators in our communities might be frightening to many parents and guardians.
Nevertheless, the police and other government officials can effectively monitor dangerous offenders in our communities by utilising Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Suppose you have concerns regarding the protection of a kid. In that case, you may have the right to ascertain whether any individuals have been convicted of sexual offences residing near your location.
Sarah’s law refers to a legal measure that aims to enhance public safety by allowing individuals to access information about convicted sex offenders living in their community.
The implementation of Sarah’s Law, formally referred to as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, was prompted by the kidnapping and homicide of eight-year-old Sarah Payne at the hands of paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000.
The program enables individuals in England and Wales to enquire with the police about the criminal record or suspicion of child abuse of someone who has contact with a kid.
Law enforcement officials will thoroughly investigate a person’s personal history and disclose confidential information, typically to the child’s parents or legal guardians, if they believe it is in their best interest.
Anyone can submit applications for Sarah’s Law. However, the police will only provide information to the person capable of safeguarding the kid.
For instance, if a grandmother enquires about their daughter’s new partner, the police will inform the mother, rather than the grandparent, if it is discovered that the partner has a record of sexual offences.
Who is required to be included in the Sex Offenders’ Register?
Contrary to widespread assumption, this database is exclusively utilised by the government and inaccessible to the general public.
Unofficial online databases are present, but they lack government regulation.
Individuals who receive a caution or are found guilty of a sexual offence, including those committed online, will be required to register as sex offenders.
A ‘sex offender’ and a ‘paedophile’ are not necessarily the same thing.
Sexual offences encompass a variety of crimes, including non-consensual acts like rape or sexual assault, offences against minors such as child sexual abuse or grooming, and crimes that exploit someone for sexual purposes.
Individuals are put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for differing lengths of time, depending on the type of offence:
A jail term of 30 months to life = remain on the register indefinitely
A jail term of 6 to 30 months = registration for 10 year
A sentence of less than 6 months = on the register for seven years
A community order sentence = on the register for five years
A caution issued = on the register for two years
Except for prison sentences of 30 months or more, minors (offenders under 18) will have their registration period halved.
How can I retrieve the information?
Note: If you believe a kid is in imminent peril, it is imperative that you promptly dial 999.
You may access the Parents Protect website for further guidance and knowledge regarding safeguarding children from abuse.
To obtain information regarding a child under your protection or care, you may contact 101 or visit your nearest police station.
Alternatively, you may visit a police station and request a ‘Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme Form’ (Sarah’s Law) or Form 284.
The decision to divulge this information lies within the discretion of the police.
The police will only reveal information if it is legal, essential, and balanced to safeguard the child or children from danger.
Even if the information is made public, parents and carers are obligated to maintain its confidentiality and solely utilise it to ensure the safety of their kids.
Legal recourse may be pursued in the event of a violation of confidentiality.
FYI – The Police will try and dissuade you from finding out the information of the person you are seeking and will do everything they can to make sure that you feel the process is not worth the while. You have to keep pushing.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.