Sex Offender Management Unit discharge area for improvement, a year on from PEEL inspection
Greater Manchester Police's Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU) has successfully addressed the area for improvement identified in last year's PEEL Inspection, demonstrating progress in managing registered sex offenders. The unit has implemented digitized processes for offender registration, conducted over 9,700 compliance visits, and made 351 arrests in the past year. The introduction of the Sex Offender Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT) and an Intelligence Hub has further enhanced efficiency and outcomes.
Greater Manchester Police’s Sex Offender Management Unit has successfully addressed a critical area for improvement identified by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, completing over 9,700 compliance visits to registered sex offenders in the past year.
The unit’s progress follows a December 2023 HMIC directive to review monitoring procedures after a July 2023 inspection found deficiencies in visit scheduling and risk management protocols. Between November 2023 and October 2024, officers conducted 9,700 compliance visits while implementing new governance processes that HMIC has now formally discharged.
A digitized sex offender registration system introduced by the unit provides real-time updates to offender managers about address changes or new associations with children, enabling faster arrests and improved safeguarding measures. The system has already resulted in multiple registered sex offenders being swiftly arrested, charged, and brought before courts.
The unit’s enforcement statistics show significant increases, with 351 arrests in the past 12 months compared to 249 the previous year—a 41% rise. Crime solutions exceeded 860 cases, representing a 12% improvement in outcome rates. The team has expanded to 80 personnel, including the permanent Sex Offender Crime Investigation Team and Intelligence Hub, which achieved the highest positive outcome rate of any team in Greater Manchester Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Jen Tattersall, who heads the unit, stated: “We understand how important it is that we get the management of sex offenders right. The improvements that we have made are a significant step forward from where we were, and it’s great to be recognised for our progress by HMIC, but we will not become complacent. Protecting vulnerable people remains our biggest priority, and the officers and staff working within SOMU do not take that responsibility lightly. I want registered sex offenders who are intent on reoffending to know that Greater Manchester is not a place they will get away with that in.”
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