West Midlands Police (WMP) has disclosed the number of public requests made to identify suspected sex offenders living in the region through The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, popularly known as Sarah’s Law.
Sarah’s Law allows individuals to formally ask the police if someone who has contact with a child has a criminal record for child sexual offences or poses a potential risk to children. The police review background information confidentially and share relevant details if they believe it is in the child’s best interest.
Between January 1, 2023, and May 11, 2026, WMP received 1,193 requests under this scheme, resulting in over 250 disclosures identifying sex offenders. The highest number of requests occurred in 2024, with 503 inquiries leading to 74 disclosures, according to data obtained via the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
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In the first five months of 2026, 113 requests were submitted, with 27 disclosures made.
Sarah’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne by a convicted paedophile in 2000. Since its launch in April 2011, the scheme has helped protect hundreds of children by enabling communities to access information about potential threats.
Although not a formal law, Sarah’s Law provides guidance on how the police can use existing powers to share information about sex offenders. West Midlands Police emphasize that anyone concerned about a person’s behaviour toward a child—whether a parent, grandparent, neighbour, or friend—can apply. However, applications must be specific to an individual and the child or children involved; general inquiries about offenders are not permitted.
If disclosed information is deemed important for child safety, it may be shared with those best placed to act, even if they are not the person who made the initial request.
For those seeking to apply or needing more details, West Midlands Police encourage contacting their designated channels to help protect children in the community.