Ford launches Sex Offender Notification consultation

Justice Minister David Ford today launched a consultation on proposals to reform and strengthen the law on sex offender notification.
~ Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Also included in the consultation is a proposal to introduce violent offender orders into Northern Ireland, which would allow the courts to place restrictions on violent offenders returning to the community.

David Ford said: “We are constantly looking at ways to make communities safer, and that includes reducing the risk to the public of further sexual attacks by individuals who have already committed sexual offences and are therefore known to the police.

“The sex offender notification requirements already play a large part in the drive to reduce reoffending. These new proposals aim to increase their effectiveness.

“The law will also be reformed, in light of a recent Supreme Court judgment, to include a review process for offenders who have indefinite notification periods. However, public protection remains the prime objective and the police will not discharge the obligation to notify if the offender continues to pose a risk.

“In addition to sexual offending, we also want to ensure that risk from violent offenders is properly targeted.”

The proposals, in three parts, seek views on:

· A framework for reviewing indefinite periods of notification.

· Strengthening the requirements to make them more effective.

· Introducing violent offender orders.

The consultation will close on Wednesday 5 October 2011.

Notes to editors:

1. The three strands in the consultation are:
   
   A framework for reviewing indefinite periods of notification.
   This proposal is in response to a judgement of the Supreme Court, applicable across all UK jurisdictions, which ruled that indefinite periods of notification, without the opportunity for review, were incompatible with human rights obligations.
   
   Strengthening the requirements to make them more effective.
   This section proposes a number of amendments to make the law more effective, including requiring offenders to provide additional information to the police such as passport and bank account details and increasing the scope of sexual offences prevention orders.
   
   Violent offender orders
   This proposal would introduce violent offender orders, similar to sexual offences prevention orders, designed to reduce risk from violent offenders in the community.
2. The consultation can be found at http://www.dojni.gov.uk/index/public-consultations/current-consultations/consultation-on-sex-offender-notification-and-violent-offender-orders
3. Copies are also available as follows:-
   Telephone: 02890523659/02890527511
   Email: jpd.public@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk
   
   Writing to:
   Department of Justice
   Public Protection Unit
   Massey House
   Stoney Road
   Belfast BT4 3SX
4. The law on sex offender notification can be found in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as amended by subsequent legislation. A similar consultation is currently taking place in England and Wales – details on the Home Office website.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.