The Royal Gibraltar Police would like to confirm that members of the public are actively protected from sex offenders on the Rock by a scheme similar to the UK’s Sarah’s Law.

The head of the force’s Public Protection Unit is highlighting the issue this week after it was raised online and in Gibraltar’s Parliament.

In the UK, the child sex offender disclosure scheme, sometimes called “Sarah's Law”, allows parents, carers or guardians to formally ask the police for information about a person who has contact with their child, or a child close to them, if they're concerned the person may pose a risk.

Under Gibraltar’s Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) disclosure policy, members of the public can request information from the RGP when they have concerns about persons in Gibraltar – as they can with Sarah’s Law.

Detective Inspector Cavallo Soane, who heads the RGP's Public Protection Unit, said: “Gibraltar is committed to ensuring that our public protection arrangements remain effective, comprehensive and in line with the highest standards of safeguarding. 

“While Gibraltar does not operate under Sarah’s Law, our disclosure policy under MAPPA provides a broader, more inclusive approach, addressing risks to the community as a whole and not just to children. 

“Our system ensures that every decision is based on expert risk assessments and balances public protection with necessary legal and privacy considerations.”

He explained that each request is carefully reviewed by relevant agencies, and where necessary, disclosure will be made under strict safeguards.

If you have concerns about someone who might pose a risk, contact the RGP Control Room on 200 72500 (non-emergencies) or 999 in emergencies. 

Alternatively, report online www.police.gi/report/crime