Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

Managing Sexual and 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 MAPPA process in Lancashire is overseen by the Strategic Management Board (SMB). This is presently chaired by Ian Philips, Area Director for Public Protection in Lancashire Probation Trust. All the responsible authorities and duty to cooperate agencies are represented - as well as the general public in the form of Two Lay Advisors. The SMB meet on a bi-monthly basis and are responsible for the strategic direction of MAPPA as well as insuring the full participation of all agencies. Ian Philips commented, saying: "Whilst experienced practitioners manage high risk offenders on a daily basis, it falls to the SMB to ensure that the staff of all agencies receive clear practice guidance and that all issues are dealt with effectively".

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.

Contacting MAPPA

MAPPA is accountable to the general public and it employs dedicated Lay Advisors to answer questions and raise issues with the Public Protection Agencies involved with MAPPA. If you have any questions that you want answering or you have a problem with MAPPA you can contact the Lay Advisors by email at MAPPA.Advisors@googlemail.com