Menu
15/04/2004
Public urged to help monitor 'dangerous offenders'
Members of the public have been urged on to take an active role in the monitoring of sexual and dangerous offenders following their release back into the community.
The Home Office said that a campaign will be launched soon to recruit 84 "lay advisers" from communities to sit on the management boards that oversee the monitoring of serious offenders.
The Home Secretary David Blunkett proposed the involvement of lay people after the murder of Sarah Payne in July 2000. Today’s announcement follows pilots conducted in eight probation areas last year.
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said today that the plan represented another "important step" in ensuring the best possible management of sexual offenders.
"Lay advisers will play a vital role in their local area. We are committed to giving them not only an insight into how this work is carried out but, more importantly, an opportunity to question what is being done and why," he said.
Terry Grange, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on Child Protection, and Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys, said that lay advisers would offer a "community interest in public protection".
He added: "This gives a freshness of view, a disinterested opinion which can, as the pilots showed, provide a ‘reality check’.
"I believe that lay advisers offer a real opportunity to enhance public confidence in public protection work."
The advisers, who will not be paid, will be given training but will not be expected to become experts. Recruiters will be looking for people who are interested in community and social issues, with a track record of community involvement. All advisers will be cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau.
They will stay in the role for up to four years, and can serve two consecutive terms.
Recruitment of the lay advisers will be through advertisements in local media. This will start in May in the north-west and north-east and extend to Yorkshire and Humberside, Wales, the West and East Midlands from July.
From November, advisers will start to be recruited in the south-west, south-east, London and eastern England.
(gmcg)
The Home Office said that a campaign will be launched soon to recruit 84 "lay advisers" from communities to sit on the management boards that oversee the monitoring of serious offenders.
The Home Secretary David Blunkett proposed the involvement of lay people after the murder of Sarah Payne in July 2000. Today’s announcement follows pilots conducted in eight probation areas last year.
Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said today that the plan represented another "important step" in ensuring the best possible management of sexual offenders.
"Lay advisers will play a vital role in their local area. We are committed to giving them not only an insight into how this work is carried out but, more importantly, an opportunity to question what is being done and why," he said.
Terry Grange, the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on Child Protection, and Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys, said that lay advisers would offer a "community interest in public protection".
He added: "This gives a freshness of view, a disinterested opinion which can, as the pilots showed, provide a ‘reality check’.
"I believe that lay advisers offer a real opportunity to enhance public confidence in public protection work."
The advisers, who will not be paid, will be given training but will not be expected to become experts. Recruiters will be looking for people who are interested in community and social issues, with a track record of community involvement. All advisers will be cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau.
They will stay in the role for up to four years, and can serve two consecutive terms.
Recruitment of the lay advisers will be through advertisements in local media. This will start in May in the north-west and north-east and extend to Yorkshire and Humberside, Wales, the West and East Midlands from July.
From November, advisers will start to be recruited in the south-west, south-east, London and eastern England.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 July 2009
First Specialist Dementia Advisers Start Work
People with dementia and their families will get more support throughout the course of the illness as the first dementia advisers start work from today. Demonstrator sites, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope, will kick off in 22 areas around the country.
First Specialist Dementia Advisers Start Work
People with dementia and their families will get more support throughout the course of the illness as the first dementia advisers start work from today. Demonstrator sites, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope, will kick off in 22 areas around the country.
19 November 2013
Body Found In Well Being Treated As Murder
The body of man found in a well in south London on Friday lay undiscovered for two years, according to police. Police have reported that the body, discovered by workmen at a home in Audley Drive, Warlingham, had been tied up and had been in the well for about two years.
Body Found In Well Being Treated As Murder
The body of man found in a well in south London on Friday lay undiscovered for two years, according to police. Police have reported that the body, discovered by workmen at a home in Audley Drive, Warlingham, had been tied up and had been in the well for about two years.
23 October 2006
Increase in number of registered sex offenders
There has been an increase of more than 3% in the number of registered sex offenders in England and Wales. There are now almost 30,000 people on the sex offenders' register, according to the latest figures from the Home Office.
Increase in number of registered sex offenders
There has been an increase of more than 3% in the number of registered sex offenders in England and Wales. There are now almost 30,000 people on the sex offenders' register, according to the latest figures from the Home Office.
27 October 2003
Government to get tough on 'abuse' of asylum appeals
The government plans to introduce new measures to tackle "abuse" of appeals against asylum decisions. Reducing the length and cost of the current appeals system will help to prevent abuse by "unfounded claimants and unscrupulous legal advisers".
Government to get tough on 'abuse' of asylum appeals
The government plans to introduce new measures to tackle "abuse" of appeals against asylum decisions. Reducing the length and cost of the current appeals system will help to prevent abuse by "unfounded claimants and unscrupulous legal advisers".
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
