West Midlands Police (WMP) has disclosed the number of times it has revealed suspected paedophiles to the public under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, commonly known as Sarah's Law. Between January 1, 2023, and May 11, 2026, the force received 1,193 requests for information, resulting in more than 250 disclosures about sex offenders.
What is Sarah's Law?
Sarah's Law allows individuals to formally ask police if someone who has contact with a child has a criminal record for child sexual offences or poses a risk to children. Officers can check the background of potential predators and share information confidentially if it is in the child's best interests.
Requests and Disclosures by Year
The largest number of requests came in 2024, with 503 inquiries, of which 74 led to disclosures. In 2025, 577 requests were made, resulting in 150 disclosures. So far in 2026, 113 requests have been submitted, with 27 disclosures issued in less than five months. The data was released under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Background of Sarah's Law
Sarah's Law was introduced in April 2011 following the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne by convicted paedophile Roy Whiting in July 2000. The scheme aims to protect children from known sex offenders. In its first year, it protected over 200 children from harm. Although not a law itself, it provides guidance on how to ask police to use existing powers to share information about sex offenders.
West Midlands Police stated: "You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders."
Who Can Apply?
Anyone worried about someone's behaviour towards a child can apply, not just the child's parents. This includes grandparents, neighbours, or friends. If information is to be shared, police will inform the person who can use it to keep the child safe, which may not be the applicant. For more information or to apply, visit the West Midlands Police website.
