Sex offender pilot scheme launched in perthshire

Sep 15 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PLANS for a hotline that will help identify paedophiles operating in Perthshire were given a high-profile launch yesterday.

Tayside Police will offer parents improved access to information about known sex offenders who may be in contact with their children as part of a £112,500 pilot scheme drawn up by the Scottish Government.

Parents, carers or guardians of children under 18 will be able to ask the force to tell them if a person has a record for sexual offences against children, or other offences that might put their child at risk.

Officers believe the eight-month test will mean they are more in touch with the Perthshire public’s concerns about paedophiles than ever before, and able to instigate child protection measures.

Officially launching the Tayside-based project yesterday, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the aim was to prevent convicted sex offenders from striking again.

“Parents, carers and guardians will now be able to formally register their concerns,” he told the PA.

“They will be informed if the named individual has a conviction for sex offences against children and they can be confident action will be taken.

“As a result, the police will be better informed and child protection measures can be implemented more quickly and effectively.

“This is an important pilot, the first of its kind in Scotland, and I hope it will give reassurance to concerned members of the public.’’

Temporary deputy chief constable Bill Harkins said landing the pilot was a coup for Tayside Police.

“Clearly good partnership working already exists in relation to the management of sex offenders in Tayside and, irrespective of the pilot project, people should always contact the authorities if they have any concerns over the safety of any child in their community,” he declared.

Perth-based Chief Inspector Eric Knox said the hotline could “significantly increase” the protection given to children.

“It will undoubtedly provide greater intelligence relating to the behaviour and movements of sex offenders within Tayside – and build public confidence,” he insisted.

“If it is found that the child is at risk, then a range of child protection measures under existing arrangements may be instigated.’’

Martin Henry, national manager of anti-abuse organisation Stop It Now!, described the hotline as “an important contribution to the protection of children”.

“We hope that the evaluation of the disclosure pilot will provide important information to ensure that children are properly protected at the earliest stage by their parents together with all relevant agencies,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of children’s charity Children 1st, Anne Houston said parents were right to have concerns about paedophiles.

The hotline number is 0300 111 2222.