Suffolk Constabulary has been told its handling of Clare’s Law is inadequate by inspectors.
The police inspectorate identified a backlog of over 500 outstanding applications
Suffolk Constabulary’s approach to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, is inadequate, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Suffolk Constabulary doesn’t have the necessary processes, capability or capacity in place to properly operate the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme allows the police to share information about a person’s previous history of violent or abusive behaviour. This scheme can protect a partner or ex-partner from being a victim of abuse.
The police inspectorate identified a backlog of over 500 outstanding applications and found the constabulary was creating an identifiable digital record of police contact with some victims, such as leaving emails and texts on victim’s devices, which could be putting victims at increased risk.
HMICFRS has therefore issued Suffolk Constabulary with an accelerated cause of concern. These can be issued when a constabulary’s failures raise concerns about public safety – as is the case with Suffolk Constabulary.
To address these concerns, HMICFRS has recommended that, with immediate effect, the constabulary should:
- make sure it understands the risks the backlog may pose to vulnerable people and their families; and
- implement a plan to clear the backlogs and make all required disclosures through safe contact methods, without further delays.
HMICFRS has also recommended that, within three months, the constabulary should:
- put in place a governance structure with oversight from senior leaders to promptly identify any increases in disclosure requirements that exceed the capacity of the multi-agency safeguarding hub;
- establish a sustainable disclosure system that meets all statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and gives timely support to vulnerable people; and
- make sure that officers and staff working in the disclosure process have the right skills, training and experience to make prompt safeguarding referrals that help manage and reduce the risk to vulnerable people.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said:
“I have issued an accelerated cause of concern as Suffolk Constabulary’s approach to Clare’s Law is inadequate and they don’t have the necessary processes, capability or capacity in place.
“During our inspection, we found a backlog of over 500 outstanding applications, including one submitted in January 2025. The constabulary wasn't fully aware of the risks this backlog posed and wasn't promptly sharing information with people at risk so they could better protect themselves from violence or harm.
"We also found the constabulary was leaving emails and texts on victims' devices and didn’t have a standardised risk management processes for when the offender answers the victim’s phone or is nearby and could overhear the conversation. This means the constabulary can't assure itself that it is managing or reducing the risk of harm to vulnerable people.
Response from Suffolk Police
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “Suffolk Constabulary recognises the importance of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, more commonly known as Clare’s Law, in helping people make informed decisions about their safety.
“HM Inspectorate has identified that aspects of our disclosure processes have not been operating as swiftly as they should. We understand the concern this may cause and fully acknowledge the seriousness of the issues raised.
“We want to reassure the public that urgent action is already underway. Senior leaders are providing clear oversight, additional resources have been allocated, and robust governance is in place to ensure disclosures are prioritised and managed safely.
“Our focus is on making sure vulnerable people receive information promptly; using safe and appropriate methods of contact and ensuring our disclosure processes are sustainable and meet all legal requirements.
“Safeguarding remains our highest priority. If someone wishes to make an application about a particular partner or former partner you may have concerns about, we would strongly urge you to still please do so. We are committed to improving our service and maintaining the confidence of the communities we serve.”