‘Shocking’ that 26 registered sex offenders living in Fermanagh

The figure, released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland following a request by this newspaper, have been described as “shocking” by Independent Councillor Bernice Swift.

“It is not acceptable that sex offenders could be living in areas very close to the most vulnerable in our society” she said.

“This is most definitely very shocking to me as I was totally uninformed and unaware. Full disclosure [by the police] should be provided to the Fermanagh public enabling them to safeguard themselves against sex offenders.”

Sex offences “are vile and completely heinous” added Councillor Swift who believes that the rights of victims “must be prioritised and protected by ensuring essential and adequate services are in place to deal with all aspects of their trauma.”

SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips described the figure as “unnerving.”

“The public should be aware if a sex offender is living in their area and the police should have a major role in making sure that this happens in each and every case. This is a societal problem and we need all statutory agencies working together so that offenders do not slip from the radar to reoffend. 

“This is a critical issue for parents and if they have concerns they should apply through the Child Protection Disclosure scheme to find out about any risks to their children. This is our own unique version of Sarah’s Law which enables parents and guardians to find out if someone has a history of violence or sexual crime.

"We all want to ensure that our children are protected and safe, and it is essential that offenders who are returned to our communities are managed effectively. I feel very strongly that if there are any concerns the authorities must comply with the legislation and share information with parents and guardians,” he said.

Independent Councillor Raymond Farrell said he too was “shocked” by the figure.

“In terms of safeguarding the public it is the responsibility of the police to manage sex offenders in their area and I would like to think that every resource is available to officers to do their job effectively so that the public at large can feel reassured.

"We are living in an age where human rights speak is the in thing now a days and police have to act within legislation and law as well as ensuring the safety of the public,” he said.

The Erne North representative stated that “no one is beyond change” and explained that with the right support“people should not in totality be labelled for the rest of their lives.”

“That said, it is a difficult balance between acknowledging this and having a registered sex offender living in close proximately. As a parent myself, I understand how people can feel,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland has told Your Right to Know that arrangements for registered sex offenders fall under the control of the Public Protection Arrangements in Northern Ireland. 

“Since 2001, there has been a well-defined system in place in Northern Ireland for assessing and managing the risk posed by sex offenders.

Formerly known as the Multi-Agency Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management (MASRAM) arrangements, the process has subsequently become known as the public protection arrangements.

"Public protection arrangements are understood as co-operation between police, probation and social services focused almost exclusively on the assessment and management of risk posed by offenders in the community.”

According to the spokeswoman, risk management is “both complex and dynamic.”

“For each offender it involves the preparation of a plan to address the specific risks identified in relation to the individual whilst they are in the community. 

“Risk management plans will include actions to monitor the behaviour and attitudes of the offender and, when necessary, intervene in the individual’s life in order to minimise the risk of serious harm to others. These arrangements apply to convicted offenders,” she said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is encouraging anyone with concerns regarding any aspect of public safety, including issues surrounding sex offenders, to contact them directly. 

“Where any member of the public has concerns about the potential risk that an individual poses to an identified child or children they can make an application to the Police for a Child Protection Disclosure, this application will be considered and if it is felt appropriate a disclosure will be made to the most appropriate party generally the named child/children’s parent or main carer and not necessarily the person making the application,” concluded the spokeswoman.