Wiltshire Police have come under intense scrutiny following concerns about the handling of Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) applications. Since April 2015, over 3,500 applications have been processed, prompting a major review after a voluntary referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding disclosures made by a Wiltshire Police staff member.
The IOPC has now launched a full independent investigation into these allegations. Additional concerns raised by the police have also been forwarded for further examination. To manage this sensitive and urgent review, Chief Constable Catherine Roper has appointed Assistant Chief Officer Craig Dibdin to lead the investigation. He is supported by a team including the head of Professional Standards and a Detective Chief Inspector acting as Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), ensuring the process is thorough and accountable.
As the review progresses, 36 officers have been reassigned full-time to the Clare’s Law team. Additional officers and researchers have been brought in to handle new applications promptly. The ongoing investigation has uncovered further service failures and led to three new referrals to the IOPC. These referrals concern cases where critical information was not disclosed, potentially leaving vulnerable individuals at risk of domestic violence.
The Wiltshire Police staff member at the centre of the probe has faced previous referrals from 2019 and 2020. One of the new referrals specifically addresses how the force responded to those earlier investigations.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper issued a public apology, stating, “We acknowledge there have been failures in disclosing information that could have protected those at risk of domestic violence. I extend a heartfelt apology to those we have failed.” She emphasised the force’s commitment to protecting victims and announced urgent face-to-face meetings to share vital information and provide safeguarding advice.
Roper also urged the community to continue reporting concerns and assured that new Clare’s Law applications will receive enhanced scrutiny and resources to rebuild public trust.
Individuals who filed a Clare’s Law or Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application with Wiltshire Police between April 2015 and August 2023 and have concerns about the service are encouraged to contact the force directly at [email protected].
Originally published by UKNIP.
