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Pemberton, S, Kewley, S and Mydlowski, L (2023) The Police as Formal Agents of Change: Assisting Desistance in Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offences. Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being, 8 (4). pp. 191-196. ISSN 2371-4298
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Abstract
Comprehensive and multi-disciplinary public health approaches are necessary to prevent sexual re-offending. However, criminal justice solutions continue to dominate and the arrangement in England and Wales is no exception. The introduction of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in 2003 brought together the work of the police, prison and probation services in order to manage violent and sexual offenders. This paper focuses specifically on the work of the specialist police officers who are tasked under MAPPA with the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) and whether or not they can assist desistance in those who have been convicted of a sexual offence. We argue that the risk-based, highly politicized model of public protection that MOSOVO staff operate within creates tensions more
likely to hinder than facilitate desistance. As indicated by findings in an independent review of the police’s management of registered sex offenders (2023), successful desistance journeys are found in people who are supported by formal gents who actively promote hope and optimism and convey a belief that the person attempting desistance can change. In conclusion, we recommend that MOSOVO staff be willing and resourced to help individuals with sexual convictions develop a non-offending lifestyle and identity and support them in achieving this goal, which requires the provision of comprehensive support beyond risk management.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations > HV7551 Police. Detectives. Constabulary |
| Divisions: | Psychology (from Sep 2019) |
| Publisher: | SG Publishing |
| SWORD Depositor: | A Symplectic |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Jul 2023 10:11 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Jan 2024 17:00 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.35502/jcswb.332 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/20545 |
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