FOI 965/25

Request

(1)

Since 1 April 2023, has your force introduced a vetting review policy, similar to Operation Assure that was instigated by the Metropolitan Police? Please provide a Yes/No answer. 

Operation Assure is the Met’s process, based on national guidance, to consider dismissing officers who can no longer pass vetting. 

If the answer is Yes, please proceed to the following questions:

(2)

In the time period since you instigated the policy and up to the present day, how many serving police officers have had their vetting status reviewed? 

(3)

In the time period since you instigated the policy and up to the present day, how many serving police officers had their vetting status removed?

(4)

In the time period since you instigated the policy and up to the present day, how many serving police officers have appealed against the vetting review decision?

(5)

In the time period since you instigated the policy and up to the present day, how many serving police officers have won their appeal?

(6)

Of those who won the appeal, how many have returned to full duty?

(7)

How many who had their vetting status removed are currently awaiting a hearing for gross incompetence or misconduct or gross misconduct due to their loss of RV vetting clearance?

(8)

How many who had their vetting status removed have had a hearing for gross incompetence, misconduct or gross misconduct due to their loss of RV vetting clearance? 

(9)

How many police officers have been dismissed from your force for gross incompetence or misconduct or gross misconduct as a result of the vetting review process?

Response 

We consulted with our PSD (Professional Standards Department) who have provided the below response to your request.

Question 1

South Wales Police at this time has not initiated a specific policy to mirror ‘Operation Assure.’ The force makes use of existing guidance contained within the Vetting Code of Practice and Approved Professional Practice document which allows for an officer or staff members’ vetting to be reviewed and if appropriate withdrawn if it is made aware of any adverse information in respect of an individual.

The force regularly reviews its processes and policies to ensure that it operates in line with any legislative requirement.

At this time, the force is assessing the impact of the recently introduced Police Vetting Regulations in conjunction with the related Home Office Statutory Guidance to establish if any procedural changes are required.

Questions 2-9

N/A