A Sexual Risk Order (SRO) is a court order designed to protect the public from sexual harm. It can place restrictions on a person who is believed to pose a sexual risk.

Unlike a SHPO (which is typically linked to a conviction/caution), an SRO is often described as a civil preventative order used when authorities believe restrictions are necessary to prevent harm.

The purpose of an SRO is safeguarding — restricting behaviours that could enable sexual harm, especially involving children.

SROs exist so police can apply to the court for restrictions where a person is considered to pose a risk, even if the situation does not involve a straightforward conviction.

They may be used where there is evidence of concerning behaviour, such as:

• Online grooming-style behaviour
• Repeated attempts to contact minors
• Sexual communication concerns
• Patterns of suspicious conduct involving children
• Risk indicators that require safeguarding intervention

The aim is to reduce opportunity and prevent harm before it escalates.

SROs and SHPOs can look similar because both can impose restrictions, but they are not the same.

Both orders can restrict internet use, contact with children, and other behaviours linked to risk.

SRO conditions vary, but are often written to restrict access to behaviours or environments that increase risk.

👶 Contact Restrictions

• No unsupervised contact with children
• No contact with named individuals
• No approaching minors in public spaces

📱 Internet / Device Restrictions

• Restrictions on social media use
• Restrictions on messaging apps
• Restrictions on device ownership/use
• Requirement to disclose devices/accounts

📍 Location Restrictions

• Exclusion zones near schools/parks
• No attendance at youth venues or events

📸 Photography / Media Restrictions

• No photographing children in public
• No possession of child-related material

SROs can be issued for a set period, depending on the case and risk assessment.

You may see reporting that states an order is in place for:

• Several years
• Long-term safeguarding periods
• Extended timeframes in high-risk cases

The court can also vary or renew an order depending on circumstances.

Breaching an SRO is a serious matter. If someone breaks the restrictions imposed by the court, it may result in:

• Arrest
• Charge for breach of SRO
• Return to court
• A custodial sentence (depending on seriousness)

Breach prosecutions can happen even if no new sexual offence is proven, because the order exists specifically to prevent risk.

Below are examples of wording often seen in police or safeguarding-related reporting (generic examples, not case-specific quotes):

• “He was made subject to a Sexual Risk Order.”
• “The order restricts his access to children and online platforms.”
• “He is prohibited from contacting children online.”
• “He must declare devices used for internet access.”
• “He breached the Sexual Risk Order and was arrested.”

Is an SRO a criminal conviction?

No. An SRO is a preventative safeguarding order imposed by the court. However, breaching it can lead to criminal prosecution.

Is an SRO the same as a SHPO?

No. SHPOs are typically imposed following a conviction/caution. SROs are often applied based on identified risk. Both can include similar restrictions.

Can an SRO include online restrictions?

Yes. Online restrictions are common, especially where risk involves grooming behaviour, messaging apps, or online contact with minors.

Why do police use SROs?

They are used to restrict behaviour and reduce risk in situations where safeguarding action is necessary.