Scenario 1:

"I'm a single mum and I've got a new partner. I don't know very much about his past and I want to make sure my children are safe with him. What can I do?"

If both you and your partner live in Warwickshire, you can ask the police to investigate whether your partner has a record for sexual offences against children.

If it turns out that your partner has a record for sexual offences against children, and the person is thought to pose a serious risk to your children, the police will take appropriate action to protect you and your children. This may include disclosure of information to you.

If the investigation does not reveal any record of sexual offences against children, but there are other reasons which mean the police might be worried about the safety of your children - such as the person has a record of domestic violence - the police will take steps to safeguard your family which may include considering disclosure of the domestic violence offences.

If at any time the police are concerned about the safety of your children, or you, they will act very quickly to protect you.

However, you should be aware that police checks are not a guarantee of safety because not all child sexual offenders have been detected.

Scenario 2:

"My daughter's new boyfriend wants to look after her child all the time - so much so that I never see my grandson any more. I'm worried. It doesn't feel normal. Is there anything I can do?"

Grandparents, friends and those associated with the family can approach the police with concerns about a named individual and all concerns will be investigated. However, where it is considered necessary and appropriate to release information, such disclosure will made to the parent, carers or guardian directly - not to the third party who made the initial enquiry.

Scenario 3:

"I don't like the look of my neighbour and she is rude to me. Can I check her out?"

Not unless you are concerned about your neighbour's relationship with certain children. The purpose of this service is to protect children. The police will want to know on what grounds you want to check out your neighbour, and which children she has access to. The police also have a duty to explore why this is being requested to ensure that it is not malicious.