Wiltshire Police have come under scrutiny after serious concerns were raised regarding the handling of Clare’s Law disclosures by a single staff member. This has prompted the force to launch an urgent review to address these issues.
The investigation follows a voluntary referral made earlier this year to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The officer involved has since been suspended and served with a notice of investigation by the IOPC, which is now conducting an independent inquiry into the matter. Additional concerns are also being examined as part of this process.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper expressed her regret, stating, “For failures in disclosing information that may have protected those at risk of domestic violence, I am truly sorry.”
An extensive audit of Clare’s Law applications submitted to Wiltshire Police since April 2015—when the officer in question began their role—has been launched. This review covers more than 3,500 applications up to August 2023.
Out of these, 1,195 cases involved disclosures made under the Right to Ask or Right to Know processes. The police have allocated dedicated resources to thoroughly re-examine every application. Anyone identified as being at risk will be contacted directly by the force.
Chief Constable Roper reassured the community of the force’s commitment to rectifying these failures. She urged anyone who made a Clare’s Law or Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application between April 2015 and August 2023 and has concerns to contact Wiltshire Police immediately via [email protected]. In cases of urgent danger, the public is advised to call 999.
New Clare’s Law requests are continuing with increased scrutiny to ensure better protection for those at risk of domestic violence.
Originally published by UKNIP.
