Police Vetting Inconsistencies
Inconsistent vetting practices across police forces and the ability of officers to evade re-vetting upon transfer.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#5 - Mandate common national standards for police vetting, making vetting upon transfer statutory
Common standards for vetting should be enforced nationally, with sanctions upon non-compliant forces. We recommend the Government make vetting upon transfer a statutory requirement within the lifetime of the current Parliament. It should also ensure all forces immediately implement His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’s recommendation on re-vetting officers of concern, including those who...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Committee recommendation
92match
#3 - Inconsistent police vetting practices and evaded transfer vetting undermine public trust
Some will be attracted to a career in policing precisely because it provides a position of power that can be exploited or abused. Vetting upon recruitment and in-service needs to reflect this. It cannot be right that vetting practices vary between forces, or that officers can evade vetting upon transfer. As citizens, we should have the same protections...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
90match
ANG-9 - Improve vetting decision-making quality and consistency
By March 2025, the College of Policing, in collaboration with force vetting units, should take steps to improve the quality and consistency of police vetting decision-making. This should include encouraging the use of greater professional rigour and curiosity when investigating lines of enquiry, in order to prevent those who commit sexually motivated crimes against women and those otherwise...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
90match
ANG-8 - Strengthen recruitment and vetting practices
By June 2024, the College of Policing, in collaboration with force vetting units, should take further steps to prevent those unsuitable for policing from joining the policing profession. This should include further developing the Vetting Code of Practice, Authorised Professional Practice on Vetting, and other guidance on recruitment and vetting practices in order to prevent those who commit...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
82match
R20 - Standards for police vetting checks
HMIC should develop, with ACPO and the CRB, the standards to be observed by police forces in carrying out vetting checks. These should cover the intelligence databases to be searched, the robustness of procedures, guidance, training, supervision and audit.
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
82match
ANG-13 - Stronger vetting aftercare and randomised re-vetting
By December 2024, the College of Policing, in collaboration with all force vetting units, should develop a stronger approach to force vetting aftercare in order to monitor an individual effectively throughout their career with the police and be aware of any change in circumstances as soon as possible to ensure that potential risks/red flags are identified and assessed....
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Committee recommendation
82match
#8 - Inadequate intelligence hinders detection and intervention in police misconduct and re-vetting opportunities
Without appropriate intelligence, forces cannot detect patterns of misconduct or criminal behaviour among officers and staff, or act on them. Proactively alerting forces to new adverse information would provide a valuable opportunity for re- vetting or intervention which may, in turn, prevent escalation.
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
81match
ANG-7 - In-person interviews and home visits for police candidates
With immediate effect, the College of Policing, in collaboration with force recruitment, should ensure that every new candidate applying to become a police officer in any police force undergoes an in-person interview and home visit. This should be designed to provide a holistic picture of the candidate and a better understanding of the candidate's motivations for joining the...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
78match
ANG-11 - Strengthen information-sharing practices
By December 2024, the College of Policing, in collaboration with force vetting and recruitment units, should ensure that information-sharing practices, including data retention policies, are strengthened in order to prevent those who commit sexually motivated crimes against women and those otherwise unsuitable for policing from remaining in, or moving across, the policing profession. In particular, there should be...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
78match
ANG-10 - Vetting Code compliance for officer transfers
With immediate effect, all recruiting forces should have regard to the new Vetting Code of Practice, which requires the parent force to provide all relevant information requested about the transferee to enable an effective assessment of risk by the force conducting a full re-vet of the transferee.
Matched on
terms: vetting
IOPC learning recommendation
74match
National recommendations relating to 'Wayne Couzens failures' - National Police Chiefs' Council and College of Policing, August 2023
The IOPC recommends that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) considers the development and implementation of a Continuous Integrity Screening capability which will notify the appropriate Professional Standard Department’s (PSD) of when a police officer or police staff member is linked to an ongoing police investigation. This would allow the appropriate PSD to monitor the officer under investigation...
Matched on
terms: police
IOPC learning recommendation
74match
Collision following pursuit - Thames Valley Police, May 2019
The IOPC recommends that Thames Valley Police (TVP) makes sure that all relevant checks are carried out before officers who have transferred from another force are authorised to drive with Thames Valley Police. This should include ensuring that officers meet any requirements under force policy, including requirements regarding recent operational driving experience. This follows a case where an...
Matched on
terms: police
HMICFRS recommendation
74match
An inspection of vetting, misconduct, and misogyny in the police service
9 recommendations on national standards, guidance and training
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Committee recommendation
73match
#10 - Fifteenth Report - The Police Uplift Programme
The National Audit Office reported that the vetting process used during recruitment had a disproportionate effect on ethnic minority applicants. Applicants of Asian and Black heritage had lower pass rates than those of White heritage and were more likely to succeed in an appeal.14 The Department told us there were a lot of different issues that can play...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
IOPC learning recommendation
72match
National recommendation - College of Policing, December 2019
When a police officer transfers from one force to another, their disciplinary history with their parent force is shared with the receiving force's vetting department. However, during an IOPC investigation it became apparent that not all vetting departments share the disciplinary history with their professional standards department (PSD) once the transfer has been accepted. This means previous allegations...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
PFD report
65match
Sean Fitzgerald
The coroner identified gaps in the training and guidance for firearms officers concerning the timing of 'armed police' announcements, specific tactical options like 'hard stops,' and the application of lethal force principles. There were also concerns about the effectiveness of post-incident review and learning.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
65match
Benjamin Websdale
The coroner noted the absence of local or national data on police officers who died by or attempted suicide during misconduct investigations. There were also concerns about inconsistent implementation of the "STEP" campaign for officers exposed to trauma.
Matched on
terms: police
Committee recommendation
65match
#9 - Enable police forces to proactively access PND for adverse information on officers and staff
We support the recommendation from HMICFRS that by 31 December 2023 Chief Constables make routine use of the PND to discover otherwise unreported adverse information about officers and staff. We recommend that the Government, and HMICFRS, urgently work with the PND and other sources of valuable information pertaining to their employees’ conduct, to enable ready and proactive access....
Matched on
terms: police
Inquiry recommendation
65match
R31 - Additional database access for CRB
As a priority, legislation should be brought forward to enable the CRB to access the following additional databases for the purpose of vetting: Her Majesty's Customs & Excise; National Criminal Intelligence Service; National Crime Squad; British Transport Police; and the Scottish and Northern Ireland equivalents of the Protection of Children Act List and the Protection of Vulnerable Adults...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
IOPC learning recommendation
64match
Recommendations - Surrey Police, August 2020
The IOPC recommends that Surrey Police review and update the CCTV in Custody policy (v4.02.19) to reflect: a) that it is not standard procedure to CCTV record strip or intimate searches, and that the recording of such searches should not be considered to be routine. b) any measures implemented to prevent the routine CCTV recording of strip and...
Matched on
terms: police
IOPC learning recommendation
64match
National recommendation - The National Police Chiefs' Council, December 2020
The IOPC recommends that the National Police Chiefs’ Council shares the learning from recent IOPC investigations with relevant force custody leads, asking them to review and update their custody and CCTV policies to reflect: a) that strip and intimate searches should not be routinely recorded on CCTV without justification b) any measures that should be used to prevent...
Matched on
terms: police
Inquiry recommendation
64match
ANG-6 - Review sexual offence allegations against serving officers
By September 2024, the National Police Chiefs' Council, in collaboration with all force vetting units, and building on the results of the recent data-washing exercise, should conduct a review of the circumstances of all allegations of indecent exposure and other sexual offences recorded on the Police National Database and the Police National Computer against serving officers. This is...
Matched on
terms: police, vetting
Inquiry recommendation
62match
R28 - Broader consent on Police Check Form
The consents that applicants currently give on the 'Police Check Form' should be sufficiently broad to enable the requisite checks to be undertaken.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Maria Stubbings
The report identifies gaps in identifying and monitoring UK nationals convicted of murder abroad upon their return to the UK. These include a lack of retrospective notification of foreign convictions and no mechanism to alert local police when they reside in an area.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Jason Palmer
The Firearms Unit lacked access to secure police logs detailing domestic incidents involving a serving police officer during his shotgun licence renewal. The coroner suggests that restricted logs could be reviewed at a senior level to share relevant information with the Firearms Unit for assessment.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Karl Brunner
The coroner notes police officers lack knowledge of choking risks for suspects who have swallowed drugs during detention. Additionally, provided mouth and face guards are defective and inappropriate for high-risk suspects, meaning they are not carried or used.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Anthony Carroll
The coroner noted a potential public misunderstanding regarding speed limits for police emergency vehicles and raised concerns about the absence of a visual indicator in police cabs to confirm siren activation, following instances where officers mistakenly believed sirens were on.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Anthony Preston
The coroner highlighted the need to review the Police Missing Person Policy to ensure its effectiveness and suitability for purpose.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Hamish Howitt
Police officers did not recommend hospital attendance for an individual appearing inebriated but with a serious underlying injury. The coroner identified a need for enhanced police training and national policy on ensuring medical assessment for such individuals.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Trevor Smith
The coroner identified a lack of clear guidance for police to record and cascade relevant information from MARAC meetings to officers, leading to critical information not reaching the firearms team. Concerns were also raised regarding officers' confusion about rescue breaths during CPR and the absence of a policy for appointing a CPR coordinator.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Nicholas Dumphreys
The informal structure of the National Association of Police Fleet Managers may not robustly disseminate safety-critical information to all forces. Furthermore, there is no formal policy to prevent faulty police vehicles from being auctioned to the public, and no national standards for police garages.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Maxine Davison, Lee Martyn, Sophie Martyn, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd
The coroner noted that numerous recommendations from previous inquiries regarding training for police staff involved in firearms licensing decisions had not been implemented. There has been a long-standing failure to develop and maintain nationally accredited training for firearms licensing staff, including in assessing applicant suitability.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Carl Fullalove
Police training on Acute Behavioural Disturbance (ABD) focused rigidly on specific symptoms, potentially causing officers to miss nuanced signs of drug-induced ABD and the associated risks of prone restraint. There was also a noted absence of training on calming de-escalation for individuals under the influence of stimulant drugs.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Chad Allford
The coroner noted a lack of training for police officers in managing drug concealment in the mouth, including awareness of risks to life for the individual and safety risks for officers when intervening. There is no standard guidance or training provision for officers in drug arrest units for such situations.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Ann Laskowsky
The West Yorkshire Police first aid training was inadequate, especially regarding assessment of normal breathing and responsiveness. Operational officers also lacked knowledge and promotion of the 'Partner Triage Line' medical advice service.
Matched on
terms: police
Inquiry recommendation
61match
MACP-59 - Home Office review and monitor police selection and promotion standards for senior officers
That the Home Office review and monitor the system and standards of Police Services applied to the selection and promotion of officers of the rank of Inspector and above. Such procedures for selection and promotion to be monitored and assessed regularly.
Matched on
terms: police
Inquiry recommendation
61match
DM-15 - Regular security clearance updates for police
Security clearance processes for police officers and police staff are fundamental to any anti-corruption strategy. Regular updating of the security status of each individual is essential to identify any concerns and to enable action to be taken in respect of such concerns. Notwithstanding the assurance received by the Panel from the Metropolitan Police in December 2020, the Metropolitan...
Matched on
terms: police
Committee recommendation
61match
#15 - 1st Report – Raising the standard: licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles
We recognise that there are established routes for sharing safeguarding and risk information between the police and licensing authorities. However, in practice, information sharing remains inconsistent and results in uneven access to information that is crucial for public protection. (Conclusion, Paragraph 69)
Matched on
terms: police
Committee recommendation
61match
#11 - Fifteenth Report - The Police Uplift Programme
In July 2021, the Home Affairs Select Committee reported that it was extremely disappointing that 22 years after the publication of the Macpherson report the police service is still a very long way from being representative of the diverse communities it serves. It said that despite commitments made over many years police forces across the country have failed...
Matched on
terms: police
IOPC learning recommendation
61match
Recommendation - Warwickshire Police, May 2026
The IOPC recommends that should Warwickshire Police officers receive Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP) for any minor misuse of Warwickshire Police computer systems, they conduct a review of that officer’s use of police computer systems on a regular basis. This recommendation has arisen as a result of a directed investigation whereby a serving Warwickshire Police officer, whilst in...
Matched on
terms: police
IOPC learning recommendation
61match
Recommendations - Metropolitan Police Service, June 2024
The IOPC recommends that, where information or intelligence is obtained by the MPS about a potential declarable association, or an actual or perceived inappropriate relationship which does not amount to potential conduct, that an intervention with the officer or staff member in the form of a reminder of the declarable association policy and invitation to consider their current...
Matched on
terms: police
Committee recommendation
60match
#29 - Fifteenth Report - The Police Uplift Programme
The Department recognised that the Formula was out of date but told us that, as there was no credible alternative available, it was confident that it was appropriate to use the existing formula to allocate the 20,000 officers.44 The National Audit Office, however, reported that because the Department has used the outdated formula to allocate officers to forces,...
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Paul McGuigan
The coroner identified a complete misunderstanding by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of the Notifiable Occupation Scheme, leading to an 18-month failure to make post-conviction notifications and no recording system for pre-conviction disclosures. Concerns were also raised about the incompleteness and lack of clarity in the proposed replacement scheme.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Philmore Mills
The coroner noted gaps in police training regarding the tactical option of containment for subjects with suspected excited delirium. Additionally, restraint training did not include the risk of death from take-down procedures.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Olaseni Lewis
Police training was insufficient on restraint techniques, the understanding of Acute Behavioural Disturbance (ABD), and the meaning of 'prolonged restraint'. The report also notes a lack of clarity on police and healthcare roles and issues with hospital staffing policy adherence.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Richard Davies
The coroner raises concerns about Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police's use of unbonded 5.56mm ammunition, which was not the type recommended by ACPO since 2005 due to identified fragmentation risks.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Dane Pearson
Police issued a CAWN without proper evidence, rationale, or risk assessment for a vulnerable person, and failed to communicate the decision to drop the investigation.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Catherine Horton
The coroner identified insufficient staffing and high workload within the Metropolitan Police Service's persons' unit, which contributed to an incorrect closure of a person investigation before a welfare check was completed. This raises concerns about resource allocation and the recognition of the unit's life-saving function.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Aidan Ridley
The coroner identified concerns regarding a police call handler's advice not to turn a person over and their inadequate guidance to seek ambulance service advice. The report also notes insufficient training and supervision for call handlers.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Leon Briggs
The coroner identified that the local S136 Multi-Agency Policy requires streamlining and reformatting to be fit for purpose. There is also insufficient training for police and ambulance crews on recognising medical emergencies and the effects of restraint, alongside inadequate monitoring of detainees subject to restraint.
Matched on
terms: police