The College of Policing has announced today (16 December 2024) the introduction of new vetting standards for potential and serving police officers and staff.
Parts of the new guidance have been developed to address recommendations following the Casey Review, Angiolini Inquiry, and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services report which found changes were needed in police vetting to better protect the public.
Harriet Wistrich, Director of the Centre for Women’s Justice, said:
“We welcome the introduction of more ‘robust’ vetting standards for police officers and staff as a step toward improving accountability and safeguarding the public. The lessons from Couzens, Carrick, the Casey Review and Angiolini Inquiry, and our own work on police perpetrated domestic abuse (PPDA), have highlighted this significant issue.
“Far too many officers with serious, and in some cases multiple allegations of domestic abuse and sexual misconduct have passed through the vetting process. These individuals have been left in positions of power where they could continue to abuse. The system has historically relied on self-reporting by officers concerned which has allowed those who wish to evade vetting to hide information.
“It is important that when officers are vetted, police integrity must be understood to include zero tolerance of misogyny and violence against women. Vetting should take into account, not only proven allegations of domestic abuse and sexual misconduct, but also multiple reports of such misconduct, regardless of whether they resulted in criminal charges. This includes considering findings from family court proceedings and the existence of non-molestation orders against officers.”
ENDS