If police fail to pass vetting tests, they will be dismissed automatically

New government measures will allow police chiefs to dismiss automatically officers who do not pass background checks.

Next month, new measures will be implemented in response to a report by an independent investigation into the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard in the hands of police officer Wayne Couzens.

Lady Elish Angiolini, in her report found that Couzens shouldn’t have been hired as a policeman and recommended a complete overhaul of the vetting process and workplace culture.

The Police National Database was used more extensively and applicants were asked to undergo a psychological assessment.

Some officers, who fail to pass the vetting process, can still remain in the police force and receive full pay despite being unable to perform public facing roles.

The Metropolitan Police announced earlier this year that 29 officers and employees were on “special vetting leaves” and receiving full pay and pension.

In February, the High Court ruled a police sergeant who was accused of rape couldn’t be dismissed due to the fundamental unfairness of the process. The court found that dismissal of those suspected to be wrongdoing was illegal as they were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.

Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that this decision “left the policing profession in an hopeless situation”.

All police officers will be required to pass background checks as part of the new legislation, which takes effect on 14 May 2025.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said that it was simply unacceptable for officers who were clearly unfit to perform their duties or posed a danger to their co-workers to remain on duty.

The government is working with the police to remove these barriers and restore public confidence.

She said: “In the past few years, serious incidents that have failed to meet all police standards have undermined public confidence in the officers who were supposed to protect us, and have undermined the majority brave, dedicated officers who work tirelessly for our safety.”

Rowley stated that “it is never right for an officer to lose his vetting but keep their job”.

These reforms will close the gaping hole in the law, and allow us to quickly remove those officers who are not fit to serve in the police force.

This is important not only for the public that we serve, but also for the vast number of hardworking police officers who deserve to be safe and confident in their colleagues. They should have the trust of the public.

Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith is the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead on vetting. He said that the changes “will provide clear routes to action for individuals who fall short of the high standards our public and workforce deserve and expect”.

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