Wiltshire Police Under Fire Over Clare’s Law Blunders
Wiltshire Police have launched an urgent review after serious concerns emerged over Clare’s Law disclosures handled by one staff member. The probe follows a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) earlier this year.
Investigation Launched as Officer Suspended
The officer involved has been suspended and served a notice of investigation by the IOPC. The watchdog is now conducting an independent inquiry, with fresh concerns also being examined.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper said, “For failures in disclosing information that may have protected those at risk of domestic violence, I am truly sorry.”
Massive Clare’s Law Audit Underway
An urgent audit into Clare’s Law applications to Wiltshire Police since April 2015 — when the officer began their role — has kicked off. The review covers more than 3,500 applications up to August 2023.
- 1,195 cases involved disclosures under the Right to Ask or Right to Know processes.
- Police have dedicated resources to re-examine every application in detail.
- Anyone identified as at risk will be contacted by the force.
Apologies and Calls for Community Support
Chief Constable Roper reassured the public of the force’s commitment to fixing these failings. 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 get in touch immediately via [email protected].
For urgent danger, call 999. New Clare’s Law requests continue with extra scrutiny to ensure better protection for those at risk.
