Sex offenders monitoring fears

The force has two officers monitoring sex offenders

Official concern has been expressed that Central Scotland Police are finding it difficult to properly monitor registered sex offenders.

A report by the chief inspector of constabulary says the two officers assigned to the task are having difficulty in carrying out frequent visits to those named on the list.

There are 63 people on the register in the force area and more than 150 known, but unregistered offenders.

The report says a strategy to deal with them is required.

Officers are needed for front line duties

The recommendations are contained in a report carried out every four years by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

It is generally supportive of systems in place for supervising sex offenders, but it highlights the magnitude of the task for the officers involved.

The report suggests that early attention should be given to the introduction of turnkeys, civilian officials who are given the role of looking after prisoners in custody.

The regulation of sex offenders has been the cause of much controversy.

Violent protest

A decision by a sheriff at Alloa Sheriff Court last week to give Thomas Maxwell 240 hours community service for sex offences against a 12-year-old provoked a public outcry.

That followed violent protests in Portsmouth calling for the naming and shaming of sex offenders.

Scottish Justice Minister Jim Wallace is reviewing legislation relating to how to deal with offenders.

Social workers, however, have warned against hysteria and knee-jerk reactions.