![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/police-vetting-lets-in-wrong-people-too-often/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/123226795_hi066216736.jpg&description=Image source, PA MediaImage caption, The murder of Sarah Everard, who was abducted as she walked home, sparked anger at the Metropolitan PoliceHundreds of police officers who should have failed vetting checks may be in the job in England and Wales, a damning report has found. The police watchdog looked at eight forces and found decisions on officers which were "questionable at best".One officer convicted of domestic abuse and one accused of sexual assault were among those accepted."It's far too easy for the wrong people to get in," said Inspector of Constabulary, Matt Parr.Of 725 sample cases closely examined in the review, there were concerns about 131 officers cleared to serve in police forces - but the watchdog said the true total could be much higher.The report highlights misogyny and sexual misconduct, and comes after the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel commissioned the report last year from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).The authors questioned 11,000 officers and staff - and of the women who responded, "an alarming number alleged appalling behaviour by male colleagues", raising concerns about risks to people outside the police.Vetting is meant to be carried out when candidates apply to join or transfer to a police force and then every 10 years, or every seven for sensitive roles. Instead, the review found officers passed despite having criminal records, being suspected of serious offences, having substantial debts or having family linked to organised crime. "If the police are to rebuild public trust and protect their own female officers and staff, vetting must be much more rigorous - and sexual misconduct taken more seriously," said Mr Parr.The inspectors also found examples of police officers transferring between forces despite complaints or misconduct allegations.Most officers were unaware they should report major life changes which trigger more vetting, such as d){kind=link}
Hundreds of police officers who should have failed vetting checks may be in the job in England and Wales, a damning report has found.
The police watchdog looked at eight forces and found decisions on officers which were “questionable at best”.
One officer convicted of domestic abuse and one accused of sexual assault were among those accepted.
“It’s far too easy for the wrong people to get in,” said Inspector of Constabulary, Matt Parr.
Of 725 sample cases closely examined in the review, there were concerns about 131 officers cleared to serve in police forces – but the watchdog said the true total could be much higher.