Two watchdogs have cleared Lancashire Police over its handling of the Nicola Bulley disappearance but an independent review is still set to be carried out.
Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden commissioned the review in February after Ms Bulley's body was found. The 45-year-old mum went missing on January 27 after being last seen walking her dog along the River Wyre in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire.
Following a major search operation, her body was found 23 days later in the river about a mile away from where she was last seen. Her family called her the "centre of their world" and later criticised the conduct of both Lancashire Constabulary and the media in relation to the case.
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The independent review is being carried out by the College of Policing, the independent national standard setting body for policing. The review has three clear areas of focus, according to Mr Snowden. It will consider the operational response to the high risk missing person investigation, the communication and engagement with the press and media, public and family, and decision making surrounding the disclosure of sensitive information.
The review's findings, set to be published in autumn this year, will provide insight into the effectiveness of Lancashire Constabulary's response, as well as if the force's decision making was reasonable and proportionate.
Mr Snowden said: "Whilst the police investigation has concluded, and the inquest will take place in due course, it is only right that we should examine Lancashire Police's handling of this tragic case, which has been a cause for public concern, through an externally conducted independent review.
"This review will follow the facts and seek input from relevant operational and subject matter experts in reaching its findings. It will also seek to identify good and effective practice, and provide recommendations for wider learning to police forces nationally."
The Police and Crime Commissioner, who has been in his role since 2021, added: "In my role as Commissioner, as the public’s voice in policing in Lancashire, I need to put in place the appropriate scrutiny to seek the right assurances and to ensure I am effectively holding the Constabulary to account for delivering policing that is efficient and effective for the communities we serve.
"It's important we understand what worked so that high profile cases can be best investigated and communicated under such spotlight and scrutiny. I am confident that the Constabulary is fully engaging in the review process."
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Iain Raphael, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing said: "The College is working at pace to conduct a thorough review of the investigation and decision making of Lancashire Constabulary in relation to this tragic case. We recognise the impact this work will have on Nicola Bulley’s family and friends who are going through some of the most difficult times imaginable. Our thoughts remain with them as our work continues.
"The review will follow the facts and seek input from relevant operational and subject matter experts to help capture any learning for policing in Lancashire and the wider service. We will present our findings to the PCC later this year."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today confirmed its own investigation into Lancashire Constabulary was completed. Following a referral, the police watchdog launched a probe looking at the contact the force had with Ms Bulley on January 10 this year. An officer part of a multi-agency team carried out a welfare check at her home address on that date.
The IOPC investigation examined whether the police response was in accordance with policy, guidance and training. Investigators identified two areas of learning for Lancashire Constabulary in respect of updating its guidance documents for multi-agency teams, as well as the provision of guidance for officers more widely when dealing with similar situations. Two areas of learning were also identified for the officer, which relate to recording information on police systems and activation of body worn video.
In regard to the investigations, ACC Sam Mackenzie from Lancashire Constabulary, said: "We are keen to take the opportunity to learn and we welcome the independent review that the Police and Crime Commissioner has asked the College of Policing to conduct. We will, of course, work with the College to identify any good and effective practice, learn lessons and provide recommendations for wider learning to police forces nationally.
"We are also aware that the Information Commissioner’s Office have concluded their investigation into our disclosure of personal information about Nicola on February 15 and they have told us they will not be taking any enforcement action. We thank them for their careful consideration of this matter, and we welcome their decision.
"Completely separately we referred ourselves to the IOPC following contact Lancashire Constabulary had with Nicola Bulley on January 10 before she was reported missing. The IOPC investigators focussed on the actions of one officer and have now completed their investigation and found no misconduct or wrongdoing.
"Whilst we do have some procedural learning it is important to note that our attendance was in support of an ambulance deployment and that the officer dealt with Nicola with compassion and empathy putting her care at the forefront of his decision making on that day.
"It is important to stress that this IOPC investigation related solely to contact with Nicola on January 10 and not to the wider missing from home investigation. Our thoughts remain with Nicola’s loved ones at this time.
An inquest into Ms Bulley's death was opened and adjourned in February ahead of a full hearing on June 26.
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