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15/09/2008
Sex Offender Information Trials Launched
A new scheme has been launched that will allow parents to check if anyone with access to their child is a convicted paedophile.
The 12-month Home Office trials - being held in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Stockton in Cleveland and Warwickshire - would be extended across the country if successful.
Calls for the project came after the brutal murder of Sarah Payne by convicted sex offender Roy Whiting in 2000.
Sara Payne, the mother of the murdered schoolgirl, campaigned for a "Sarah's Law", which would allow the publication of more information about where paedophiles live.
In America, "Megan's Law" - named after the child victim of a repeat sex offender - allows the publication of names, addresses and pictures of paedophiles in some states.
However there are fears the implementation of such a scheme in the UK would lead to vigilante attacks that would drive the offenders further underground.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith hailed the pilots as a "huge step forward".
She said: "There are few crimes more damaging, more emotive and more sensitive than sexual offences against children. I want to see every child living their lives free from fear.
"Giving parents the ability to find out if someone close to their child poses a risk will empower them. With the help and support of police and other agencies, it will also help them understand how to better protect their children."
Under the new schemes introduced two tests will be carried out by police, when concerned parents approach them.
The first test, within 24 hours, will examine the person's criminal history and the second is a full assessment - involving more detailed checks, to be completed within 10 days.
(JM)
The 12-month Home Office trials - being held in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Stockton in Cleveland and Warwickshire - would be extended across the country if successful.
Calls for the project came after the brutal murder of Sarah Payne by convicted sex offender Roy Whiting in 2000.
Sara Payne, the mother of the murdered schoolgirl, campaigned for a "Sarah's Law", which would allow the publication of more information about where paedophiles live.
In America, "Megan's Law" - named after the child victim of a repeat sex offender - allows the publication of names, addresses and pictures of paedophiles in some states.
However there are fears the implementation of such a scheme in the UK would lead to vigilante attacks that would drive the offenders further underground.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith hailed the pilots as a "huge step forward".
She said: "There are few crimes more damaging, more emotive and more sensitive than sexual offences against children. I want to see every child living their lives free from fear.
"Giving parents the ability to find out if someone close to their child poses a risk will empower them. With the help and support of police and other agencies, it will also help them understand how to better protect their children."
Under the new schemes introduced two tests will be carried out by police, when concerned parents approach them.
The first test, within 24 hours, will examine the person's criminal history and the second is a full assessment - involving more detailed checks, to be completed within 10 days.
(JM)
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