Wiltshire Police Under Fire Over Clare’s Law Failings
Wiltshire Police have launched a major review after over 3,500 Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) applications processed since April 2015 came under scrutiny. This probe follows a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over concerns about disclosures made by a Wiltshire Police staff member.
IOPC Launches Independent Investigation
The IOPC has now announced a full independent investigation into these allegations. Additional worries raised by the police have also been passed on for further examination.
To lead the charge, Chief Constable Catherine Roper has appointed Assistant Chief Officer Craig Dibdin to oversee the sensitive and urgent review. A team including the head of Professional Standards and a Detective Chief Inspector as Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) supports him, ensuring the investigation is thorough and accountable.
Service Failures Exposed – More Referrals Made
As the review unfolds, 36 officers have been reassigned full-time to the Clare’s Law team, with extra officers and researchers brought in to deal with new applications swiftly.
The review has uncovered more service failures and resulted in three fresh referrals to the IOPC. These relate to cases where vital information was not disclosed, leaving vulnerable individuals at risk of domestic violence. The Wiltshire Police staff member at the heart of the probe has faced referrals from 2019 and 2020, with one new referral addressing how the force responded to those earlier investigations.
Chief Constable Apologises, Promises Action
“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,” said Chief Constable Catherine Roper.
Roper stressed the force’s pledge to protect victims, announcing urgent face-to-face meetings to share crucial information and offer safeguarding advice. She called on the community to keep reporting concerns and promised that new Clare’s Law applications will get extra scrutiny and resources to restore trust.
If you filed a Clare’s Law or DVDS application with Wiltshire Police between April 2015 and August 2023 and have worries about the service, you can contact the force directly at [email protected].
