London - The British government plans to give new powers to police to warn people when a convicted paedophile moves into their area. Chief police officers, probation officers and offenders' groups all praised the expected introduction of a limited disclosure of information decided on a case-by-case basis.
The new government guidelines, to be announced today by the Home Office Minister Mr Alun Michael, are also expected to lead to a more consistent police approach to this problem across Britain.
Police will be able to tell school head teachers and organisations such as church youth groups if there is an offender in their area who is considered to be a genuine threat to children. - (PA)