Extra failures identified by Wiltshire Police in Clare's Law review
The force has been checking over 3,500 applications under the scheme
Wiltshire Police say extra service failures have been identified - amid their review into more than 3,500 applications under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
They announced the review after making a voluntary referral to the IOPC over concerns linked to disclosures with one member of staff.
It's understood domestic violence risks weren't properly passed on to potential victims, and could have led to further victims.
The force has now made three further referrals, with Chief Constable Catherine Roper urging anyone to come forward with concerns about someone at risk of domestic abuse.
36 members of staff have been seconded to work solely on the review team and they will be supported by a significant number of officers as part of their weekly protected learning days (for example, more than 60 officers will be supporting the review team this week alone).
Additional researchers and supervisors will also be sought to support with any new Clare’s Law application made to us.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper said:
“Last month, I made a commitment to our communities that we would continue to be transparent as we work through our review.
“Having now reviewed more applications, we know there have been additional failures to disclose information which may have protected those most at risk from domestic violence.
“Once again, I would like to wholeheartedly apologise to all those we have let down.
“My officers and staff continue to prioritise those most at risk from harm and will be arranging urgent face to face meetings to disclose important information and offer safeguarding advice.
“All additional failures in services will be referred into the IOPC to ensure the right level of independent scrutiny is applied.
“Finally, I would like to repeat my plea to our communities – I know we have badly let you down, but I am asking for your trust and urge you to come forward if you have any concerns or information regarding people at risk of domestic abuse.
“We have put more scrutiny in place than we’ve ever had into both the ongoing review and into the team who are assessing new Clare’s Law applications.”
If you made a Clare’s Law or DVDS application to Wiltshire Police between April 2015 and August 2023 and you are concerned with the service you received, you can contact Wiltshire Police directly by emailing clareslaw@wiltshire.police.uk.
If you are considering making a new application under Clare’s Law, please be reassured that you can request this information in the usual way.
Wiltshire Police is still able to process new applications and want to reiterate to our communities that we’ve put in place additional resources and scrutiny to ensure this important service is delivered in the right way.