Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: national overview report 2021/2022

Appendix B: MAPPA National Data

This Appendix outlines patterns in information on Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs) extracted from the ViSOR database on 31 March of each year. This provides a snapshot at a point in time.

On 31 March 2022, there were 6,038 RSOs in Scotland who were managed in custody or in the community. The total number of RSOs has increased by 3.6% compared with 2021 when there were 5,830 recorded.

On 31 March 2022, 75% of RSOs (4,520 RSOs) were being managed in the community with 97.5% (4,407 RSOs) of those in the community being managed at the lowest MAPPA management level, Level 1. The remaining 2.5% (113) were being managed at level 2 or level 3.

In 2021-2022, 94% of RSOs (5,664 RSOs) complied with their notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, compared to 95% (5,548 RSOs) in 2020-21. The proportion of RSOs who failed to comply with their notification requirements has remained constant at around 5%-6% for the last six years.

Sex Offender Notification Requirements are robustly policed so that those who breach their terms are identified at the earliest opportunity. The RSO can receive a maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment for failing to comply with notification requirements.

The National Statistics on Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2021-22 published in June 2022, illustrated that sexual crimes accounted for 5% of all crimes recorded in Scotland in 2021-22, as was the case in 2020-21. The report stated that sexual crimes recorded by the police in Scotland increased by 15% from 13,131 in 2020-21 to 15,049 in 2021-22. Historical reporting of sexual crimes continues to play a role in this. Further information from Police Scotland suggests that just under a quarter (23%) of sexual crimes in 2021-22 were recorded at least one year after they occurred. The increase in sexual cyber-crimes has also had an impact on the trend of recorded sexual crimes in recent years.

The number of RSOs who have been convicted of a further Group 1 or 2 crime has increased in the last year (114 in 2021-22 compared to 96 in 2020-21). These convictions include offences detected as a result of proactive management and effective policing by the partner agencies. When individuals managed under MAPPA commit further serious offences, the significant case review process examines the MAPPA policies and processes in place for the management of the individual. It identifies areas of learning and good practice and so contributes to continuous learning to improve future policy and practice.

Wanted and Missing Registered Sex Offenders

A Missing person is defined as anyone whose whereabouts is unknown and:

• where the circumstances are out of character; or
• the context suggests the person may be subject to crime; or
• the person is at risk of harm to themselves or another.

Wanted Registered Sex Offenders are defined as those who are subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and who have a live warrant in force.

On 31 March 2022, of the 16 of the Wanted RSOs, 14 were assessed as having left the United Kingdom with no indication they have returned. The latest update from Police Scotland shows that of the 2 wanted RSOs on 31 March 2022, one has since been traced and the other is no longer believed to be in Scotland. Police Scotland treat all missing and wanted RSOs with the utmost seriousness and carry out thorough enquiries to trace their whereabouts and to re-establish the management required to protect the public. On all occasions a Senior Investigating Officer of a rank no less than Inspector will be appointed to lead these investigations. Up to date figures are available via the Police Scotland Website.