The Night Shift
A scheme trialled in Warwickshire allowing parents to check if sex offenders live near them is being rolled out nationally.
Sarah's Law will be extended across England and Wales from next year following trials in four areas.
It's named after Sarah Payne - the 8-year old girl murdered by a convicted sex
offender in 2000.
During the year it's been running in Warwickshire the force have had nearly 280 enquiries about it and made 8 disclosures about sex offenders
Warwickshire Chief Constable Keith Bristow said:
"We believe the scheme is having a positive impact on helping police and
partners to safeguard children in Warwickshire.
"The pilot sets out a clear process for parents and guardians to help
keep children safe by raising a concern about an individual who has
significant access to their child or children.
"Due to its success, although the pilot officially ended in September,
the scheme has continued to operate in Warwickshire because of the
positive initial results."
One in 10 calls to police under a "Sarah's Law" pilot scheme uncovered the
hidden criminal past of someone with access to a child, it was revealed today.
The largest number of queries came from fathers worried about their
ex-partner's new boyfriend, police said.
The scheme will now roll out to 18 more police force areas from August and the governement aim to roll it out to all forces by the end of March 2011.
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