Surrey Probation Area

The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) are designed to protect the public and manage the risk from violent, sexual and other dangerous offenders.  In Surrey this is achieved by the Responsible Authority agencies - police, probation and prison services - working together with other agencies involved in public protection to assess and manage the risks posed by sexual and violent offenders living in the community.  Other agencies that co-operate in MAPPA include youth offending teams, local education authorities, local housing authorities, social services and health services.

The principles that govern MAPPA are:

• Identify who may pose a risk of harm
• Share relevant information about them
• Assess the nature and extent of that risk
• Find ways to manage that risk effectively, protecting victims and potential victims.

A Strategic Management Board (SMB) monitors and reviews how these public protection arrangements are working in each local area.  Chaired by a senior representative of the police, probation or prison service, the Board includes senior representatives of other agencies.  Each Board also has two members of the public who act as lay advisers in the review and monitoring of the arrangements and to help improve links with communities.

MAPPA cannot completely eliminate the risk of a serious offender re-offending but it is extremely effective at reducing the risk.  Link to Preventing Serious Harm PDF.