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

7. Police Scotland

Police Scotland work in partnership with other Responsible Authorities and DTC Agencies to provide effective and efficient policing of Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs) and Other Risk of Serious Harm individuals in pursuance of overall MAPPA management. This is achieved through consistent practice, enhancing and developing new and existing partnerships to manage the inherent risks and challenges posed by these individuals.

Police Scotland has continued to support MAPPA partners, Community Justice Scotland and the Risk Management Authority in the development and multi-agency training delivery of relevant risk assessment tools essential in the policing of individuals convicted by the courts.

Work has also continued in promoting lawful, necessary and proportionate information sharing processes to support police and partners in working together to assess and mitigate risks in a manner fit to face current and future demands.

Recognising the ongoing rise in online and online facilitated sexual offending, and in pursuance of Police Scotland's priority of tackling crime in a digital world, the National Sex Offender Policing Unit continue to explore developing technologies, working with specialists to develop and deliver real time monitoring of online activity and examination of internet capable devices of RSOs with relevant court issued prevention orders.

It is important to note that the use of technology does not replace conventional sex offender policing methods, but supports and enhances established practices.

In addition, Sex Offender Policing Units have developed collaborative working relationships with Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) teams, embedding officers in enforcement activity where RSOs are suspected of OCSAE involvement, maximising both risk management and investigative opportunities.