Sex offender register launched in Northern Ireland

A new database which aims to improve monitoring and management of sex and violent offenders was launched by police in Northern Ireland today.

The Violent Offender and Sex Offender Register will allow police to share information on offenders with other agencies.

Previously police relied on local databases to record details of offenders, which they say has hindered sharing and accessing information.

Northern Ireland police service assistant chief constable Judith Gillespie, said: “Criminal justice agencies appreciate the significance of compiling and, even more importantly, sharing information about violent and sex offenders. The Bichard Inquiry into the handling of Ian Huntley in the Soham murders case has given added impetus to the need for criminal justice agencies, in particular the police, to be able to share information.”

Meanwhile in London education secretary Ruth Kelly is due to make a statement on sex offenders to the House of Commons on Thursday this week.

She is expected to announce the vetting and barring scheme recommended by Bichard.

Read our 60 second interview with the NSPCC’s policy director on the row over sex offenders working in schools.