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New Reforms Allow Police to Dismiss Officers Failing Vetting Checks
In a significant move aimed at bolstering public trust in the police, the government is set to implement new policies that will enable police chiefs to automatically terminate officers who do not pass background checks. These measures are designed to enhance accountability within law enforcement and are scheduled to be introduced in Parliament shortly, with full implementation expected next month.
The initiative comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny following the murder of Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens in 2021. This tragic incident prompted calls for a thorough re-evaluation of police vetting procedures.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has characterized these changes as “essential” in efforts to “restore confidence in policing.” Under the new regulations, passing background checks will become a mandatory requirement for all active officers, a requirement that has been notably absent until now.
Currently, officers who fail these vetting checks can remain part of the police force, drawing full pay while barred from public-facing duties. This situation has drawn criticism, with Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley labeling it “absurd” and a “ridiculous waste of taxpayers’ money” for officers unable to serve effectively.
Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that 29 personnel were on special vetting leave, receiving full pay and pension benefits. In a related context, a High Court ruling this past February found that Sgt Lino Di Maria, an officer facing serious allegations of rape, could not be dismissed due to an unfair vetting removal process. The court determined that the dismissal procedures were unlawful, highlighting the challenges police forces face when trying to maintain integrity and public trust.
Sir Mark Rowley expressed concern over the court ruling, describing it as leaving officers with little recourse to remove those deemed unfit for duty based on vetting outcomes. This judgement followed independent reports that advocated for reforms in police vetting protocols in light of the serious implications highlighted by the murder case.
Recent audits of police officers revealed over 400 undisclosed misconduct connections among officers and staff, including issues related to theft, fraud, and drug-related offenses. The current vetting model within the Met involves thorough checks that assess criminal records, behavior, financial background, and the influence of close personal associations.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that it is unacceptable for officers who represent an obvious risk to remain in the force. She stated, “These new rules are crucial… to overcome barriers and restore confidence in policing.” Cooper assured that moving forward, only those who meet the highest standards would be permitted to wear the police uniform. She acknowledged the grievances of the public regarding failures in policing standards that have hurt public confidence and undermined the efforts of law-abiding officers.
The proposed changes received backing from Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vetting, who stated that the new regulations would provide “clear routes for action to remove individuals who fall below the high standards the public and our workforce rightly expect and deserve.”
In a discussion in the House of Commons last year, Cooper highlighted ongoing efforts to reform policing, including stricter protocols for officers under investigation for violence against women and ensuring automatic dismissal for those convicted of specific crimes.
Reflecting on the forthcoming reforms, Sir Mark Rowley noted that it is “never right that an officer could lose their vetting but not lose their job.” He underscored the reforms as critical not only for public safety but also for the integrity and morale of dedicated officers, reinforcing the need for trust and security within the force.
Source
www.bbc.com