Sexual Risk Order

A Sexual Risk Order (SRO) is a civil order which can be sought by the Police against an individual who has not been convicted, cautioned etc. of any offence but who is nevertheless thought to pose a risk of harm.

It is similar to a SHPO in that it imposes restrictions on an individual with the intention of managing that risk of harm, and the Police Crime and Sentencing Bill 2022 will permit the ability to place certain positive obligations on the individual as well. 

An SRO differs from a SHPO in that it does NOT make the individual subject to full registration requirements. It only requires the individual to notify the Police of their name and address (this information must be updated and notified to the Police within three days if it changes at any point) while the order has effect. 

The minimum duration for a full order is two years.

Breach of the conditions of an SRO is a criminal offence and is punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

It is a registerable offence and makes the individual a Registerable Sex Offender for the duration of the order.