A new approach to managing sex offenders in the community is helping to protect vulnerable people from harm.
Under Durham Constabulary’s Operation Trinity, officers who are investigating a suspect who is alleged to have committed a sexual offence can apply for civil orders to further protect the public from potential harm.
Sexual Risk Orders and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders run alongside a criminal investigation and can prevent suspects from doing certain things, such as communicating with children, being around vulnerable people and having all internet-based activities monitored. Suspects do not have to be charged with an offence to be subject to an order.
Any suspects who are found to have breached these prohibitions can be arrested and potentially convicted.
The orders are managed by the force’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) – a team of specialist police officers, detectives, and police staff investigators who are responsible for the robust and complex management of offenders in the community.
Since launching in January this year, 73 referrals have been made to the Operation Trinity team, with 29 being converted into Sexual Risk Orders, or more serious Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, so far.
Previously, suspects who had not yet been charged could only be managed by being released on bail back into the community or being released under investigation while enquiries continued.
The process has seen Durham Constabulary named the national lead for identifying significant risk and the earliest opportunity.
It has also been widely supported by partners, including the College of Policing and the force’s legal services.
Detective Sergeant Richard Blamires, from Durham Constabulary’s PPU, said: “This is a new and proactive process which ensures those who pose the highest risk of sexual harm are effectively managed in the community, even when there isn’t a conviction at court for a criminal offence.
“Since January this year, without this process, 29 nominals would have had no risk management in the community and could easily have reoffended.
“In the last six months, we have already seen a small number of order breaches which have resulted in further charges and prison sentences.”
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please tell us – call us on 101, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Reports can also be made online at www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
If you’d prefer not to speak to police, The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support anyone who has experienced sexual assault.
Call them on 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk If you’re worried about a child, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
