Almost ten sex offenders missing in Bristol area

“We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will always ensure we do everything we can to protect the public.”

As Avon and Somerset Police explained on its website, someone ends up on the Sex Offenders Register after being convicted or cautioned in relation to a particular sex offence, or having committed a sex offense but been found not guilty of cause of insanity or disability.

There are a number of offenses that can be considered sexual offences, as explained by the Crown Prosecution Service, including non-consensual offenses such as rape or sexual assault, offenses against children, including sexual abuse or child grooming, and offenses that exploit others for a purpose. sexual purpose, either in person or online.

“Offences can occur between strangers, friends, acquaintances, current or former partners or family members,” the CPS explains. “The passage of time does not prevent the effective prosecution of sex offences, and an increasing number of cases referred to the CPS by the police involve allegations of a non-recent nature.

The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme in England and Wales (sometimes known as ‘Sarah’s Law’) allows anyone to ask the police if someone with access to a child has a record for child sex offenses.

The police will disclose the details in confidence to the person best able to protect the child (usually parents, carers or guardians) if they believe it is in the best interests of the child. You can learn more here.