The Structure and a Summary of the Act Trafficking and exploitation risk orders Section 26: Risk orders
116.Section 26 provides that the chief constable may apply to a sheriff for a trafficking and exploitation risk order (TERO) against an adult. A TERO differs from a TEPO in that it may be made where a person has not previously been convicted of a trafficking or exploitation offence but the person’s behaviour indicates a risk that others may be at harm as a result of that person committing such an offence and intervention at an early stage is necessary to prevent that harm. A TEPO can only be made where a relevant offence has already been committed.
117.Subsection (2) sets out the appropriate sheriff to whom an application for such an order may be made.
118.Subsection (3) sets out the tests for making a TERO. The sheriff may only make an order if satisfied that the person in respect of whom the order is sought has acted in a way which means that there is a risk the person may commit a relevant trafficking or exploitation offence (subsection (3)(a)) and it is necessary to make the prohibitions or requirements in the order for the purpose of protecting persons generally, or particular persons, from the physical or psychological harm which would be likely to occur if the person committed such an offence (subsection (3)(b)).
119.Subsection (4) provides that in assessing those tests the sheriff may consider conduct which occurred before this section comes into force.