MORE than 500 serious sex offenders and violent criminals are being monitored in Dorset communities, according to figures released yesterday.

There are 552 offenders who fall under the umbrella of Dorset’s MAPPA (Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements) which works to protect communities from the risk posed by dangerous offenders.

Of these 486 are registered sex offenders, 68 are violent offenders and other sex offenders and 16 are other offenders. There are 253 registered sex offenders in Bournemouth and Poole and 215 in the rest of Dorset.

There are three levels of management for offenders: Level one to the most serious level three, which requires regular multi-agency meetings and exceptional resources are made to strengthen the management plan when necessary.

In the 2008-09 financial year there were 130 offenders being managed in level two and level three – 16 of which were so serious they required the highest level of supervision.

There are currently 11 sexual or violent offenders in Dorset who are being managed in level three – one is supervised and managed in the community and 10 are either in prison or in secured hospital accommodation.

The annual report published by Dorset’s MAPPA says that during 2008/09 there have been no further offences committed by offenders that are managed at level two and three.

Murray Shackleford, assistant chief officer, public protection and prisons for the Dorset probation area, said: “At its heart, the MAPPA system has the protection of the public and the management of risk to victims. It’s about protecting the public through strong partnerships.”

Det Supt Mark Cooper, head of public protection and prevention at Dorset Police, added: “The MAPPA report outlines the arrangements which the responsible agencies have in place to supervise and monitor those offenders who pose the greatest risk to the public.

“The report also demonstrates how we are collaborating to reduce the risk.”

Download the report in full here