skip to main content

MAPPA Responsible Authorities — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateForensic PsychiatryMAPPA Responsible AuthoritiesMRCPsych Paper B

In England and Wales, a forensic psychiatrist attending a Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) meeting is asked to distinguish the statutory Responsible Authority from agencies that have a duty to cooperate. Which three services together constitute the MAPPA Responsible Authority in each area?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Police, Probation Service, and Prison Service

In England and Wales, the MAPPA Responsible Authority consists of the **police, Probation Service and Prison Service acting jointly**, so **A is correct**. These services have statutory responsibility for establishing arrangements to assess and manage MAPPA-eligible offenders. NHS bodies, social services, housing services and youth offending teams may be subject to a statutory duty to cooperate, but they are not constituent members of the Responsible Authority; this excludes B and E. The Crown Prosecution Service and courts perform important criminal justice functions but do not constitute the MAPPA Responsible Authority, excluding C and D. Specifying England and Wales is essential because the composition of MAPPA responsible authorities differs in Scotland.

Reference: Ministry of Justice, Multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA): Guidance, Chapter 2, April 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-public-protection-arrangements-mappa-guidance