Unlock welcomes figures showing police are removing people from the sex offenders register

Unlock has today welcomed figures obtained by the BBC that show police forces deciding to remove individuals from the sex offenders register.

Christopher Stacey, Co-Director of Unlock, said:

“Back in 2012 we welcomed the Governments introduction of the review process. It allows people subject to lifetime registration on the sex offenders register the right to apply to have their name removed after 15 years, meaning they are no longer monitored by the police.

 

“The figures published today show that the police are clearly putting this review process into action. There are safeguards in place to ensure that the police only agree to remove somebody from the register where that person can demonstrate that their risk has been minimised to a degree that it is no longer necessary for them to be on there.

 

“At a time a reducing resources, it is important that the police are able to effectively target them towards those people who pose a genuine risk. The review process enables the police to exercise their professional judgement to remove from the register those who have turned their life around in the 15 years since they were convicted.”

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Notes to editors

1. Unlock is an independent, award-winning charity for people with convictions which exists for two simple reasons. Firstly, Unlock assists people to move on positively with their lives by empowering them with information, advice and support to overcome the stigma of their previous convictions. Secondly, Unlock seeks to promote a fairer and more inclusive society by challenging discriminatory practices and promoting socially just alternatives.
2. There are over 10.5 million people in the UK that have a criminal record.
3. Unlock’s website is unlock.devchd.com.
4. Details about the review process are available on Unlock’s information site.