A Home Office scheme which allows the public to enquire whether anyone with access to children is a registered child sex offender is being launched across Surrey this week.
From 1 October, Surrey Police is one of 11 forces joining 13 others across the UK which have already introduced the Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme.
The initiative allows a parent, carer or guardian the right to request that an individual with access to their child or children is checked out for a record of child sex offences.
It was originally piloted in September 2008 by Warwickshire, Hampshire, Cleveland and Cambridgeshire Police forces and has been championed by Sara Payne from Hersham, whose daughter Sarah was murdered by convicted sex offender Roy Whiting in 2000.
The forcewide rollout means that, for the first time, many more parents, carers, guardians and third parties will be able to make an application for disclosure about someone who has contact with a child.
The Force has taken steps to ensure that measures are in place to support the scheme, such as training for relevant staff and embedding the process into existing ways of working.
Disclosure cannot be guaranteed in all cases, but the safeguarding of children will be the key determining factor and disclosure will usually be made to those people who are in the best position to protect a child from harm.
Anyone who wants to apply for disclosure can contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or go to their nearest police station in person and speak to front counter staff.
Detective Inspector Andy Pope, of Surrey Police’s Public Protection Investigation Unit, said: “This scheme has been a success in the pilot areas and its launch in Surrey will further enhance our ability to safeguard children in the county by providing a process for concerned parents or carers to obtain information about potential risks to children.
“If someone has a genuine concern about an individual’s contact with a child then this offers them the opportunity to seek the relevant information from us.
“If we hold information about that person being a risk to children we will consider disclosing the information to the parent or carer. If any risk is identified – we will take the necessary action.
“Surrey Police already has strong processes in place to manage registered sex offenders under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and this scheme will further enhance the public’s safety.
“We would of course always urge anyone worried that a child is in immediate danger to call 999 and report it to police straight away.
“It is important to stress that this is not a US-style “Megan’s Law” that makes information about registered sex offenders available to the public. This is a process that allows limited disclosure of information to parents or carers if there is a known risk.”
For further information about recognising the signs of child sex abuse members of the public can be directed towards the Stop It Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900 or visit www.stopitnow.org.uk or www.parentsprotect.co.uk
