Police overhaul Claudia records after inquiry

The search for the missing York University chef is one of North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever cases, and concerns have been raised over whether the inquiry team has been swamped by information.

Senior detectives have always maintained they have adequate resources at their disposal, although an external review has now been undertaken of an archive containing details of more than 5,300 calls, searches, statements and reports.

The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) was commissioned by North Yorkshire Police in May to carry out a second review of how the inquiry has been handled.

The Yorkshire Post has learnt that recommendations included an overhaul of administrative procedures relating to the "management, processing and categorisation" of the details collated during the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick maintained the issues had now been addressed and had not affected the outcome of any lines of investigation.

Friends of Miss Lawrence, who was last seen walking near her York home in March last year, have, however, maintained that members of the public who made reports were never contacted again.

Martin Dales, a close friend of Miss Lawrence's father, Peter, has previously expressed concerns that officers had not contacted callers about a series of tip-offs concerning locations on the outskirts of York.

Mr Dales, who lives in Old Malton in North Yorkshire, said: "Resources were obviously stretched in such a major investigation, especially with one that has received such a high profile in the media.

"But this can prove to be a double-edged sword as the police have to contend with a surge of information in the wake of any such publicity.

"The public do need to be reassured that the inquiry has been dealt with properly, and it should be welcomed that North Yorkshire Police asked the NPIA to carry out another review.

"However, the fact remains that people who reported information that could have resulted in potential new leads were not contacted by the force again for weeks and months, if at all."

The NPIA was brought in to carry out an initial review of the investigation last year and the inquiry team was advised to focus more attention on Miss Lawrence's tangled love life.

Senior detectives admitted the investigation has been hindered by Miss Lawrence's complex relationships as she sometimes had more than one lover at a time.

Mr Madgwick stressed the second review had also found the investigation had been conducted with "integrity and objectivity", and strategies had conformed to nationally approved standards.

The review team made a suggestion for a minor line of inquiry, details of which have not been disclosed, although it has not led to any development in the search for Miss Lawrence.

Mr Madgwick added: "North Yorkshire Police remain as committed as ever to solving Claudia's disappearance and bringing closure for her family.

"Both reviews were commissioned voluntarily and can been seen as a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our drive to find out what has happened to Claudia."

Miss Lawrence was last seen walking near her Heworth Road home after finishing work on March 18, 2009. Police upgraded the inquiry to a murder investigation the following month.

North Yorkshire Police announced in July that the inquiry, which has cost more than 700,000, was being scaled down.

A 10,000 reward for information about Miss Lawrence's disappearance was reinstated in September, two weeks after the Crimestoppers charity said it could not continue to offer the sizeable payment indefinitely.