HIGH RISK OFFENDER INITIATIVE: E Division Major Crime

Presentation Abstract
Integrated Sexual Predator Intelligence Network
(ISPIN)

Integrated Sexual Predator Observation Teams
(ISPOT)

The Behavioural Science Group (BSG) creates the organizational infrastructure necessary to integrate existing and new teams into this strategically-focussed, intelligence-led, operational group. The methodology of P.A.S.T.E. ensures that team members acquire the expertise, and are capable of collecting information, creating intelligence, assessing strategic targets, implementing ops plans, and evaluating the results of operations focussed on predatory criminals.

Although not all High Risk Offenders are Sex Offenders or Psychopathic Personalities, these are the offenders who are most likely to be considered for this initiative.

We know that 97% of the High Risk Offender ISPIN files are Sex Offenders. We believe that between 40-50% of the individuals catalogued are Psychopathic which, according to the research, makes them an exceptionally high risk to re-offend violently. Additionally there is a large body of research associated to psychopathy that we can draw from in order to better understand and assess dangerousness and risk for violent re-offense.

There are presently over 1,400 High Risk Offender files in the Integrated Sexual Predator Intelligence Network (ISPIN). Approximately 300 of these offenders score 7.5 or above on the Logan Template; another 48 offenders score 9.0 or above on the scale. Placing a focus on these High Risk Offenders who are at an even more elevated risk allows us to proactively provide safer homes and communities. We do this through Partnerships, Assessment, Selection, Training, and Enforcement (PASTE).


Partnerships

•Corrections
- Providing file info on offenders
- Psych diagnosis of psychopathy and other Actuarial Risk Assessments

•Police
- Integrated Sexual Predator Observation Teams (ISPOT)
- Report to Crown (RTC) indicating psychopathy diagnosis and crime cycle info

•Prosecutors
- Emphasis on psychopathy and crime cycle in sentencing and breaches

•Judges
- Decisions on sentencing and conditions with consideration of this information provided

Assessment

A 10- point template is utilized based on factors that research has shown as highly predictive of violent recidivism: Psychopathy, Deviant Arousal, Impulse Control, Previous Violence & Sadistic Elements, Target Environment, and use of Other Actuarial Measures.

Selection

The assessment phase is to prioritize the list and determine which targets are the most dangerous to the public and most likely to re-offend.

Training

In order to solidify the partnership between Corrections and Policing, training is being offered to all stakeholders. Training is being offered in the following areas: Paraphilia, Deviant Fantasy, Behavioural Progression (Crime Cycle), and Predatory Behaviour.

Enforcement

The Integrated Sexual Predator Observation Teams are comprised of 9 police officers highly trained in surveillance technique and in the understanding of sexual predators. They are mobile serious crime investigation teams that follow, arrest, interview, and submit charges for prosecution. Their mandate is:

1. To reduce sexual violence and sexual exploitation by focusing on those offenders deemed to be a high risk for sexual re-offending.
2. To work with our Correctional Partners in monitoring these offenders, paying close attention to observations or information indicating movement into a crime cycle.
3. To conduct short-term surveillance on these high-risk offenders living in the community under court imposed conditions and to ascertain the level of non-compliance with those conditions.
4. To conduct enforcement with respect to any breaches or any observed criminal acts.
5. To arrest and take before the court those high-risk sexual predators who are observed to be in their crime cycle and are breaching their orders.
6. To specifically request further incarceration with treatment or that their conditions be amended to ensure tighter supervision.


Dr. Matt Logan, formerRCMP Operational Psychologist explains the process of focusing on a group of offenders in the community who are both prolific and wanton in their violent offending. Strategically attending to this group of predatory criminals will dramatically reduce sexual violence in our communities.