Understanding what works in the police management of child sex offenders in the community

Abstract

Police are becoming increasingly responsible for monitoring convicted child sex offenders in the community. A Rapid Evidence Assessment was undertaken to capture ‘what works’ and what ‘shows promise’ in existing and emerging, innovative policing practices. A total of 920 searches were performed across five databases, spanning the last 5 years. After removal of duplicates and those that did not meet inclusion criteria, 61 articles were analysed. Two key strategies, with sub-strategies, emerged: (1) formalised, targeted management and (2) technology-assisted management. An adapted ‘EMMIE’ framework presents the ‘effects’, the overarching ‘mechanisms’ and ‘moderators’ of success, and ‘implementation’ considerations for effective practice.

The police as formal agents of change: Assisting desistance in individuals convicted of sexual offences

“…Reports of the nature of formal interactions between MOSOVO staff and people with sexual convictions across England and Wales are inconsistent. Many MOSOVO staff perceive the provision of welfare and support as a detraction from their core proactive policing duties (Christensen et al, 2022;Nash, 2019). Some view people with sexual convictions as monsters (Nash, 2016), who should be managed closely because they are dangerous, untrustworthy, and manipulative (Kewley, 2017).…”