Wiltshire Police has apologised after a review has found that it failed to protect “those most at risk from domestic violence.”

In October, the force announced an urgent review following concerns linked to disclosures made under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (known as Clare’s Law) by a member of staff. 

Clare’s Law, named after Clare Wood who was murdered by an ex-partner, allows police officers to disclose a person's history of abusive behaviour to those who may be at risk from it.

The review concerns 3,582 disclosure requests made between April 2015 to August 2023.

Wiltshire Police has now revealed that three more cases have been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

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.”

Chief Constable Catherine Roper has appointed Assistant Chief Officer Craig Dibdin as the strategic lead to oversee the review.  

According to the force, 36 members of staff are now working solely on the review team.

Wiltshire Police says it is working with local and national stakeholders and partners to provide advice on the review process, including other police forces and national government agencies. 

Chief Constable Catherine Roper concluded: “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.”