Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential risks posed by serious offenders using dating apps following their release from prison.

The Government is committed to protecting the public from serious offenders following their release from custody.

Prior to release, the Probation Service gathers information from other agencies, such as the Police and Children’s Services to assess an offender’s risk and develop plans for their safe management in the community. Where necessary, additional licence conditions can be imposed to manage identified risks associated with online activity, including the use of dating applications. Depending on the circumstances, these may restrict access to particular platforms, require disclosure of online identities, limit contact with others, or support monitoring of compliance.

For offenders convicted of serious violent, sexual and terrorist offences Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) provide a framework through which the Probation Service, police and other agencies can work together to share information to assess and manage risk. This can include consideration of risks associated with online activity and the measures necessary to protect the public.

Compliance with licence conditions is monitored by the Probation Service, including, where appropriate, requiring offenders to provide access to electronic devices for inspection. Offenders who fail to comply may be subject to enforcement action, including recall to custody.