Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

In 2000 The Criminal Justice and Courts Services Act was formed. The new legislation introduced the framework for Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) which led to the National Probation Service and the Police working in partnership. The HM Prison Service as well as the police and probation, became responsible for managing the risks of violent, dangerous and sexual offenders. The arrangements for reducing risks, involved sharing offender information and restrictions to reduce harm. Other agencies have a duty to co-operate with the ‘Responsible Authorities’, and be involved in the monitoring process, these include; social care, housing, health and education services. MAPPA assesses the risk to the public posed by the offender

Foucault argues, that the function of punishment is not to deter crime, rather it is to illustrate the power of the state. In 1700s executions were common public spectacles where torture was used to humiliate and inflict pain and suffering. In contemporary society, Foucault argues new forms of punishment are used, such as discipline based surveillance. The purpose of the technique is used to gain similar ends, by managing and controlling offenders in a more humane

The Conservative electoral vote strategy saw them gaining public confidence, by proclaiming to be “tough on crime”. The politicisation of law and order occurred due to the increase in crime rates and the postmodern turn in society. Ulrich Beck’s arguments associated with the postmodern society, and the concept of uncertainty and risk became ever prevalent. Campbell (2004) argues, traditional policing is withering away and replaced by contemporary policing methods to govern social relations in the ‘risk society’. Consequently, society’s preoccupation with risk and the existence of risk society has placed great attention on policing. The politicisation of policing has drawn focus to the agency making them powerful. As a result, the police have been identified as one of the agencies, whose budget will be protected from future austerity cuts.

The politician Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles of policing were formulated in 1829. It is suggested that the role of the police officer is to prevent crime, help victims, detect crime, capture criminals, uphold the law, promote government policy and protect the public. Peel initially regarded the police as a patrolling or crime prevention service. Joyce (2011)