Sex offenders database launched
The Violent Offender and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) will connect police to a national computer network so that officers can share information.
Until now, police and other agencies relied on local databases to record details of offenders.
About 300 officers have been trained to use the database.
The register means information and intelligence on offenders can be quickly logged on a UK-wide database for all police forces to share and access.
A back record conversion has involved incorporating information and intelligence and grading it before putting it onto ViSOR.
Information
Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie said the ability to share information would be very important.
“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.
“In this first stage, only sex offenders will be placed on the database. Violent offenders will be put on the system when the necessary legislation is in place.
“We would also hope that partner agencies in Northern Ireland will become connected to ViSOR.”
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