Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Managing Sexual & Violent Offenders (MAPPA)

MULTI AGENCY Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) involve probation, police, and prison services working closely together to share information about high risk sexual or violent offenders. The agencies carry out a thorough assessment of the risk and prepare and implement plans to minimise it. They are supported by a range of other agencies which have a duty to co-operate which include local authority housing, education and social services; the health service; job centres and the youth offending teams.

Wherever possible, offenders are resettled in the community when they have completed their prison sentence. This may mean providing accommodation, assisting with employment or offering treatment for drug, alcohol or mental health problems. But it also means imposing tough controls which may involve curfews, electronic monitoring, compulsory attendance at rehabilitation programmes etc. Behaviour is rigorously monitored and if it gives cause for concern, the offender can - and usually is - returned to prison.

The three main agencies that operate MAPPA are Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Probation Service and the Her Majesty’s Prison Service. To find out more about the role of each of the agencies within MAPPA, click on the logos below.