Nicola Bulley update as independent review launched into Lancashire Police's handling of case

The review – announced in February and commissioned by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden – is being carried out by the College of Policing.

It has been tasked with conducting a thorough review of the investigation and decision making of Lancashire Police in relation to the tragic case of the mum-of-two.

The report and recommendations from the review are set to be made public in Autumn 2023.

What is the review looking at?​

The review will draw upon nationally recognised guidance and expertise from within and outside of the College of Policing.

The review has three areas of focus. 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 personal information

Why is there a review into the case?​

The review’s findings will provide insight into the effectiveness of the Lancashire Police response over the course of the period Nicola Bulley was missing.

It will also examine whether the decision making of Lancashire Police was “reasonable and proportionate”.Commissioner says he is ‘holding Lancashire Police to account’​

Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: “First and foremost my thoughts remain with Nicola's family and friends who are, understandably, continuing to come to terms with their loss under an ongoing media spotlight.​

"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.”

“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."

What do Lancashire Police say?

Assistant Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie 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.”

Lancashire Police also responded to the findings of an investigation by the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

This investigation focused on the actions and decisions of the police officer who attended Ms Bulley’s home in response to a ‘concern for welfare’ report just two weeks before her disappearance.

You can find the outcome of the IOPC investigation in our report here.

Statement from College of Policing

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.”