Volunteers to assess crime risk

Derbyshire authorities are inviting two members of the public to advise them about the problem of violence and sex crimes.

The move follows a 15% rise in the number of convicted sex offenders and violent criminals in the county.

Home Office figures show that there are currently 600 known sex offenders in Derbyshire.

Two "laymen" will be selected to advise police, probation and prison officials and assess their effectiveness.

Brian Nuthall, from Derbyshire's multi-agency Public Protection Board, said: "It's obviously crucial that the community interest and the views of the public are reflected."

However the two advisers would not directly be involved in decisions about individual offenders, he said.