Approved Premises are accommodation for
offenders in the community who are a significant risk to the
public. Offenders staying at Approved Premises have usually been
ordered to do so as part of their release from prison,
but might also be ordered to stay there as a condition of bail
or a Community Order.
They allow London Probation Trust to monitor
dangerous offenders, whilst also helping them to re-integrate into
the community.
In London there are currently 13 Approved
Premises - all playing a vital role in protecting the public.
The residents are observed by Approved Premises staff and must
comply with the conditions of their sentence at all times. They are
also subject to curfew and CCTV footage.
Approved Premises staff are in close contact
with the local police and any offenders who after assessment cause
particular concern to staff, are referred to the local Multi-agency
Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This allows closer
supervision of dangerous offenders in the community.
Without Approved Premises, dangerous offenders
would be released from prison at the end of their sentence with no
supervision or monitoring. Lapses in behaviour from the offenders
would not be picked up and the public would be at greater risk. As
part of MAPPA, the police will share information on dangerous
offenders with the local Head Teachers, who are also informed if an
Approved Premises is local to their school.