Officers have clarified the extensive network of processes put in place to monitor convicts who are released into communities across Scotland every year.

This comes after residents reacted angrily to the presence of serial offender Simeon Hope in Barrhead, who later fled.

And police say that technological advances are constantly being made that makes keeping track of individuals easier.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Sex offenders are managed in the community under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements ( MAPPA ) which involve the police service, local authorities, the NHS, Scottish Prison Service and other partners”.

“MAPPA has no influence on the number of offenders being managed in our communities. MAPPA is there to manage the risk posed by offenders who have come through the judicial and criminal justice system and by virtue of their sentence are required to comply with the notification requirements placed on them by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.” When offenders are released from prison after a conviction for any crime, local authorities are legally required to provide accomodation.

However it was revealed by a senior council source last month that more than 20 registered sex-offenders are currently living in Barrhead Despite this, police say a permanent unit is dedicated to keeping an eye on sex offenders in the community, and the public safety is always top priority.

The spokeswoman continued: “A number of measures can be put in place to manage offenders in the community and these are monitored by dedicated police officers and partner organisations. Keeping people safe is our main priority in all cases.

“We keep our processes and procedures under constant review and are in regular discussion with the Scottish Government and our other MAPPA partners in relation to innovation in offender management such as electronic tracking.” “The Scottish Police Service keeps up to date with such innovations and plays a part in monitoring the capability of technological advances which may have a role to play in adding to the strategies’ already deployed in risk assessment and management of offenders.”