Wiltshire Police have provided an important update on the ongoing review of over 3,500 Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) applications, commonly known as Clare’s Law, which have been processed since April 2015. This review was initiated following a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning disclosures made under the scheme by a member of Wiltshire Police staff.
The IOPC has decided to independently investigate these allegations, and additional concerns identified subsequently by the police have also been referred to them.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper has appointed Assistant Chief Officer Craig Dibdin to strategically oversee this crucial review. Supporting ACO Dibdin are the head of Professional Standards and a designated Detective Chief Inspector as the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), providing investigative direction and accountability.
To expedite the review, 36 staff members have been reassigned to work exclusively on the team, with additional officers and researchers joining to assist with new Clare’s Law applications.
Key updates from the review team include the identification of additional service failures and three further referrals to the IOPC. These referrals relate to incidents where there was a failure to protect individuals after information had been requested under Clare’s Law. The staff member at the center of the IOPC investigation had been referred to them in 2019 and 2020, and one of the new referrals concerns the organization’s response to these previous investigations.
The police are working closely with local and national stakeholders, including other police forces and government agencies, to ensure a thorough and effective review process.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper expressed her commitment to transparency during this review process. Having reviewed more applications, 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 stated.
Roper also emphasized the ongoing priority of protecting those at risk and announced that urgent face-to-face meetings are being arranged to disclose crucial information and offer safeguarding advice.
In her message to the community, Chief Constable Roper acknowledged the significant breach of trust but urged the public to continue coming forward with concerns or information about individuals at risk of domestic abuse. She reassured that new Clare’s Law applications will be processed with added scrutiny and resources to restore the integrity of this vital service.
Individuals who made Clare’s Law or DVDS applications to Wiltshire Police between April 2015 and August 2023 and have concerns about the service received can directly contact the police at [email protected].
