FOI 582/25

REQUEST

1. I would like to know the number of officers in the last five years who have failed background checks or vetting procedures of any kind and continued to serve as police officers following that background check failure regardless of how long that service was.

2. I would also relatedly like to know your current policy on whether or not police officers failing vetting procedures or background checks are automatically sacked.

RESPONSE

We consulted our Vetting Department who have provided the following information in relation to your request.

Question 1

Zero.

Question 2

Currently, if any existing officer fails the vetting process, they will be referred to a panel to establish if this failure amounts to ‘gross incompetence’ under the Performance Regs and if so, is dismissal warranted. This policy will shortly be changing with the anticipated introduction of the Vetting Regulations.