Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

MAPPA brings police, the local authority, health services and the prison service together to manage the risk posed by certain sexual and violent offenders in the community. The aim is to keep people safe by sharing information, assessing risk and putting strong plans in place.

What MAPPA does

We work with partner agencies to:

• identify people who may pose a risk of harm
• share the right information quickly
• assess the level of risk
• create and carry out plans to manage that risk and protect the public

You can read more about MAPPA in the annual report or our public protection strategy (links at the end).

Who is managed under MAPPA?

MAPPA applies to three main groups:

• Registered sex offenders

People convicted of listed sexual offences who must follow sexual offender notification rules. It also includes people with certain court orders linked to sexual risk.

• Mentally disordered restricted patients

People subject to specific court or hospital orders because of a mental disorder.

• Other offenders who pose a serious risk of harm

People supervised in the community who are assessed as posing a high or very high risk of serious harm and need multi‑agency management.

How we manage risk

MAPPA uses three levels of management:

• Level 1 – Routine risk management: One agency leads, with support from others when needed.
• Level 2 – Multi‑agency risk management: Used for higher‑risk or more complex cases requiring active involvement from several agencies.
• Level 3 – Multi‑agency public protection panels: For the small number of cases involving an imminent risk of serious harm or significant public concern.

Cases are managed at the lowest level that still keeps people safe.

How MAPPA is monitored

A Strategic Oversight Group oversees MAPPA across Lanarkshire to make sure arrangements work well. Chief Officers Groups in both council areas are also kept informed.

Contact us

If you have questions about MAPPA, contact the MAPPA Co-ordinator.