SHPOs and SROs

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders are key tools of the state in managing sexual risk in the community. Imposed by a court following conviction, caution or on the application of the police, these orders last for many years, sometimes indefinitely or until further order. The orders are bespoke to the individual subject, but are now made routinely in sexual offending cases. These orders will effectively permit the police to view and monitor your internet devices, may prohibit contact or communication or limit access to certain locations. You may have to register details with the police of yourself and devices you use or access. These orders are often treated as an afterthought in proceedings, but can have huge implications for many years to come. They can have significant impact on employment, disclosure to third parties, international travel, families and DBS checks, often unforeseen or unintended. Older orders can be varied or discharged, and this includes the predecessor Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). We handle a regular stream of older orders that were or have become inappropriate or unnecessary, and now require discharge or variation.