Risk typologies of serious harm offenders managed under MAPPA: Mental health, personality disorders, and self-harm as distinguishing risk factors

Abstract

Little is known about the risk profile of the offenders managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), yet this information is central to ensuring appropriate resources to manage the risks posed. The aim of this paper is to explore typologies of risk among this offender group in order to identify the resources needed to strengthen the risk management strategies employed by MAPPA. Cases registered under the MAPPA as requiring the highest level of risk management (n = 230) were reviewed and the risks posed were identified. Using latent class analysis, this information was analysed to explore typologies within this high-risk cohort. Three distinct groups emerged, with a relatively small number of risk factors distinguishing one cluster of offenders from another. These relate to mental health disorders, psychological disorders, self harm and/or substance abuse, and the risk of sexual offending and/or the type of violence committed. The findings highlight the importance of consistent representation from mental health and psychology services at MAPPA meetings to ensure the appropriate assessment and management of this offender group.

Keywords:

• Multi-agency public protection panels
• typologies of risk
• mental health
• personality disorder
• substance misuse

Acknowledgements

I am very grateful to all the staff in the north-west probation areas who facilitated my access to the data required to complete this study. I would also like thank Professor Keith Soothill and Professor Brian Francis for commenting on earlier drafts of this paper.