New measures to strengthen restrictions against child sex offenders and build on the UK’s existing tough regime were announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
The UK is widely recognised as a world leader in efforts to target, manage and rehabilitate sex offenders while maximising public safety.
Today’s measures include:
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removing the need for recent evidence when the police are seeking a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO)
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requiring registered sex offenders to notify the police earlier of their intentions to travel abroad
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automatic removal of an individual’s passport when they are subject to a blanket foreign travel order
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extending the duration of a foreign travel order from the current six months
The Home Secretary is also considering, and will seek views on, the following:
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further restrictions on passport issuance and validity
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raising the upper age limit in respect of the child at risk (from 16 to 18) to allow for a Foreign Travel Order to be made for this age group in certain specified circumstances
The changes follow consultation with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency (CEOP) (new window) and the police.
Home Secretary's statement
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: 'The UK has a rigorous system in place for managing child sex offenders which is among the toughest in the world. The changes I’m announcing today will strengthen that even further.
'I want to see anyone who poses a threat to our children dealt with as firmly as possible. I’ve spoken to child protection experts and the police and they have told me that these changes will further restrict the ability of child sex offenders to harm children both here and overseas.
'I will legislate for these measures as soon as possible.'
Existing arrangements
Anyone convicted of a child sex offence automatically goes on the Sex Offenders Register. The severity of their sentence affects their duration on the register.
Multi-agency public protection agencies (MAPPA) oversee the offender after their release from custody. MAPPA draws together the police, probation service, prison service and other agencies.
The police can apply for a sexual offences prevention order or a foreign travel order in individual cases to prevent the offender from committing further sexual offences either here or against children abroad.
Notes to editors
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Sexual offences prevention orders (SOPOs) require evidence, showing that such an order is necessary to protect the public, from within the last six months. For certain sex offenders who are in custody, that time limit can make it difficult for the police to obtain the necessary evidence.
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Foreign travel orders prevent individuals from travelling overseas at all or to specified countries. Previously there has been no requirement for people prohibited from any travel outside the UK under one of these orders to surrender their passports.
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Foreign travel orders currently last for six months. We are considering extending them to a maximum duration of five years. We are also considering whether changes should be made in respect of passports for offenders convicted overseas.
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The government will seek to legislate for those measures which require primary legislation as soon as possible.
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