Adjustment for neurodivergent offenders 720/2024
FOI Reference: 720/2024
Request:
- What reasonable adjustments, if any, are provided, in relation to the management of offenders subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, to those suffering with a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010?
- For those with neurodiversity issues such as Autism, ADHD, or other mental health issues which could make it more difficult for an individual to either understand the notification requirements or manage their compliance with those notification requirements, what reasonable adjustments are made for them by your force?
Response 1:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
This question is broad in nature. The Equality Act sets out that a person has a disability if they have an impairment that is either physical or mental and the impairment has a substantial, adverse and long-term effect on the person’s normal daily activities. As such adjustments will be bespoke to individual needs.
Non exhaustive examples range from disabled accessibility to police premises, means of contact – relay UK text phone, use of intermediaries and advocates.
Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) require Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity to be considered and provision to be made in respect of offenders suffering with a disability. Dyfed-Powys Police recognise and comply with this requirement.
Within MAPPA we work in partnership with The Prison Service, Probation, and Mental Health Services to ensure that all known information in respect of an individual and their needs are shared.
Response 2:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements require Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity to be considered and provision to be made in respect of offenders suffering with a disability. Dyfed-Powys Police recognise and comply with these requirements.
Dyfed-Powys Police provide officers with the following training and resources to engage with those with neurodiversity issues:
- Autism specialist training and consultancy.
- College of Police training - ‘Understanding Autism’.
- National Autistic Society guide for Police Officers.
- Diversity Champions in Force provide support, advice and guidance to Officers.
- An ‘Accessibility Hub’ focussing on autism is contained on the force intranet.
Dyfed-Powys Police facilitate the following reasonable adjustments: -
Use of Advocates
Advocates are used to facilitate communication between officers and individuals.
Simplified Notification Requirements
Dyfed-Powys Police can provide access to a simplified version of the Sex Offender Notification Requirements, to include pictures.
In addition, we will provide verbal explanations as well as providing information in a written format and take time to explain things slowly and check for comprehension.
We will ‘walk through’ scenarios with individuals in respect of the Notification Requirements or Orders they may be subject too, so that they have some real-life examples to reinforce their understanding.
Partnership Information Sharing
Dyfed-Powys Police liaise with Adult Care Services in respect of needs assessments and how best to enable management within the community to ensure compliance with registration requirements.
Through Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements Dyfed-Powys Police review partnership information available through information sharing such as autism diagnoses, personalised plans and recommendations for support, as well psychiatric reports, and mental health assessments.
Regular Reviews
Where necessary, Dyfed-Powys Police will regularly review an individual’s understanding of their Notification Requirements or Sexual Harm Prevention Orders in person with them. Individuals are encouraged to ask questions if unsure of anything, contact details are provided to enable them to check information and understand in between formal contacts if they need to. Officers can meet with family or care providers with the individual’s permission to explain any such requirements to enable individuals to be better supported.
Use of ARMADILO-S Assessment
Risk Assessments are used to promote public safety and to guide the management of the offender. Dyfed-Powys Police utilise the Active Risk Management System and OASys Sexual Reoffending Predictor in respect of all Registered Sex Offenders.
The Assessment of Risk and Manageability for Individuals with Development Limitations who Offend Sexually (ARMADILO-S) is a risk review and community management instrument designed for use with adults with cognitive impairment utilised by Dyfed-Powys Police.
ARMIDILO-S is designed for use with males aged 18 years and older who have committed sexual offending behaviour, whether adjudicated or not, and have an intellectual disability.
(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 26/07/2024)