MOD Police
Vetting: SC and DV
MOD Police applicants go through two kinds of vetting: police vetting and national security vetting. Everyone needs Security Check clearance and some sites need Developed Vetting, which can decide where you are posted. This guide explains each layer, when it happens and what to gather early. Written from the MDP's vetting pages, read on 23 October 2026.
Independent information, not advice · Sources checked 23 October 2026 · England and Wales unless stated
Police vetting by the MDP plus UK Security Vetting. Every new entrant must get Security Check (SC) clearance as a minimum. Postings to some sites, such as AWE, Menwith Hill and RNAD Coulport, also need Developed Vetting (DV), which is processed after your station is confirmed. If you do not get DV you are offered another posting, with no relocation expenses. DV sites need 10 years' UK residence.
Two layers: police vetting and UK Security Vetting
The MDP is a police force inside the defence estate, so it checks you twice: once as a police force and once for national security.
| Layer | What it is | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Police vetting | The MDP's own force vetting, to the College of Policing Vetting Code of Practice and Authorised Professional Practice | Open-source internet checks and national police systems; your criminal record, police contact and conduct history |
| UK Security Vetting: Security Check (SC) | National security clearance. The minimum for every new MDP entrant. | Credit checks and UK criminal and security record checks |
| UK Security Vetting: Developed Vetting (DV) | Higher national security clearance, needed for postings to specific sites | Detailed questionnaires, financial and credit reference checks, referee interviews and a detailed interview with a Vetting Officer |
Everyone goes through police vetting and SC. DV is added only if you are posted to a site that needs it, or later move to one. The MDP says DV is needed if you are later posted to a site with higher security requirements.
When vetting happens
| Point in the process | What happens |
|---|---|
| Stage 2: Application submission | The application asks for background details for security vetting, financial information and any previous police involvement. |
| Stage 3: Interviews | No vetting decision yet. |
| Stage 4: Medical, fitness, vetting | The MDP starts your SC application and police vetting checks. |
| After station allocation | DV posts are processed after your station allocation is confirmed and SC clearance is granted. |
| Stage 5: Hire | Offers are made as positions become available. Appointment is subject to vacancy availability and final reference checks. |
The practical point: your vetting background is collected early, in the application submission, but the checks run after the interviews. DV runs later still, once your station is known. The MDP does not publish how long any of this takes.
Police vetting
The MDP carries out force police vetting to the College of Policing Vetting Code of Practice and Authorised Professional Practice. It includes open-source internet checks and searches of national police systems.
What the MDP asks you to disclose
- Any contact with the police, as a victim, a suspect or a witness.
- Any dealings with Military Authorities.
- All convictions, cautions, penalty notices and court orders, whenever they occurred (entry criteria).
Social media
The MDP says all your accounts, including unused ones, must comply with the Police Code of Ethics. Old accounts you have forgotten about still count. Review every account you have ever opened and remove or close anything you would not want a vetting officer to read. Our social media checks guide explains what to look for.
The MDP says a refusal of police vetting can be appealed.
Security Check (SC): the minimum for everyone
The MDP says all new MDP entrants must obtain SC clearance as a minimum requirement. SC includes credit checks and UK criminal and security record checks. The MDP starts your SC application in stage 4, after the interviews.
The MDP's vetting pages do not mention a Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) for constables. If you see one quoted for the MDP elsewhere, note that the MDP itself names SC as the minimum.
Because SC includes credit checks, unmanaged debt can matter as much here as in police vetting. The MDP's entry criteria also set their own finance rules: see the finances section below.
Developed Vetting (DV): for some sites
DV is required for postings to specific sites. The MDP says it includes detailed questionnaires, financial and credit reference checks, referee interviews and a detailed interview with a Vetting Officer. It is processed after your station allocation is confirmed and your SC clearance has been granted.
The MDP names three DV sites as examples:
| Site | MDP region |
|---|---|
| AWE (Aldermaston and Burghfield, the AWE Group) | England Central South |
| Menwith Hill | England North East |
| RNAD Coulport | Scotland (Central) |
The MDP does not publish a full list of DV sites. Three of the locations on the current New Recruit advert are at these sites: AWE Aldermaston, AWE Burghfield and RNAD Coulport. See our stations guide for every site.
If you do not get DV
This is the vetting rule with the biggest practical effect. If you do not achieve DV for your first posting, the MDP says you would be offered another posting suited to the clearance you achieved, with no entitlement to relocation expenses.
The MDP advises against committing financially to a house move until clearance for your posting is confirmed. If you are offered a DV site, wait for DV before you sell, buy or sign a new tenancy near it.
Worked example (illustration)
Suppose you are allocated AWE Aldermaston, pass SC and start the DV process. If DV is not granted, the MDP's rule means you would be offered a posting suited to the clearance you achieved, which may be somewhere else. There would be no relocation expenses. Planning for that before you commit is sensible.
Vetting and your posting
Vetting shapes where you can work. This table takes the nine locations on the MDP's current New Recruit advert and shows which ones the MDP names as DV sites. "Not named" means only that: the MDP does not publish a full DV list, so a site not named here could still need DV.
| Location | Region (locations page) | DV status from MDP pages | What you need (MDP rules) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMNB Clyde | Scotland (Central) | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
| RNAD Coulport | Scotland (Central) | Named as a DV site | DV and 10 years' residence |
| Barrow-in-Furness | England North West | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
| Fylingdales | England North East | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
| Raynesway (Derby) | England Central West | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
| AWE Aldermaston | England Central South | Named as a DV site (AWE) | DV and 10 years' residence |
| AWE Burghfield | England Central South | Named as a DV site (AWE) | DV and 10 years' residence |
| Porton Down | England South East | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
| Welford | England South West (the advert says South East) | Not named as DV | SC minimum; DV only if the site needs it |
What this means for you
- Fewer than 10 years' UK residence: the AWE sites and RNAD Coulport are not open to you on the residency rule.
- Anything in your background you expect DV to probe: plan for the possibility of a non-DV posting.
- Later moves: the MDP says DV is needed if you are later posted to a higher-security site, so it can come up after you join too.
The region for Welford differs between the MDP's advert (South East) and its locations page (South West). We use the locations page.
Residency and vetting
Residency is an entry rule, but it is tied to vetting levels. You need 5 years' continuous UK residence before you apply, with no more than 6 months' total absence. Postings to DV sites need 10 years. Time abroad in the British Armed Forces or on UK Government service counts as UK residence. GOV.UK says the rule is not flexible and is strictly applied.
If you have between 5 and 10 years, you can apply but you would not meet the rule for a DV site. Full detail and worked examples are in our eligibility guide.
Finances and vetting
Finances come up three times: in the entry criteria, in SC credit checks and in DV financial checks.
- Bankruptcy: not registered bankrupt with outstanding debts; at least 3 years since discharge (Scottish Trust Deeds the same).
- County Court Judgments: none outstanding.
- IVA or Debt Management Plan: acceptable if you can show you are managing repayments.
Check your own credit file before you apply so nothing surprises you. Our debt guide covers the general principles.
US Visiting Forces bases and the Common Access Card
Some MDP officers work at United States Visiting Forces (USVF) bases. The MDP says officers there need a Common Access Card (CAC), which requires giving personal information to the USVF authorities.
The MDP does not say which of its sites are USVF bases, so we do not list them. If you are offered a posting and are unsure, ask whether a CAC is needed.
Disclosure and honesty
The MDP's entry criteria say you must disclose all convictions, cautions, penalty notices and court orders, whenever they occurred. It says failure to disclose usually means rejection. Its police vetting page adds all police contact and dealings with Military Authorities.
Three practical rules follow, in our view:
- If in doubt, declare it. A declared matter is judged on its facts. An undeclared one found by vetting raises a second question about honesty.
- Be consistent. What you write in the application submission is checked in police vetting, SC and possibly DV. Keep a copy of what you sent.
- Explain, briefly and factually. Date, what happened, the outcome and what has changed since.
Our free vetting evidence builder helps you set out a disclosure clearly. It is written for UK police vetting in general, so check anything MDP-specific against this page.
Previous police service
If you have served in any UK force, including as police staff, a PCSO or a special constable, the MDP's police vetting page sets out matters that stop an application:
| Matter | Rule |
|---|---|
| Final Written Warning | In the last 5 years, or an extension to one at any time |
| Written Warning | In the last 3 years |
| Formal UPP case | In the last 3 years |
| Honesty and integrity misconduct sanction | In the last 5 years |
| Served Notice of Investigation or formal UPP | Application suspended while it is live |
| Former officers | No progress if dismissed for gross misconduct and on the Barred and Advisory List, resigned or retired while subject to gross misconduct proceedings, terminated as a probationer or resigned instead of termination, or dismissed under UPP |
NEOF applicants: serving and recent officers
Officers joining through the New Entrant from Other Forces (NEOF) route go through the same vetting. The NEOF process lists medical, fitness, SC and police vetting after the suitability interview, with DV after station allocation.
- The NEOF application request form asks whether you are subject to a live conduct or performance investigation. You must not be.
- The previous service bars in the table above apply to you.
- Vetting in your current force: the NEOF process still lists SC and police vetting and the MDP does not publish any transfer of clearance from another force.
See our NEOF transfer guide for the rest of the route.
Vetting once you serve: the 2026 regulations
Vetting does not end on appointment. The Ministry of Defence Police (Vetting) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/428) came into force on 18 May 2026. Under them every MDP officer must hold and maintain vetting clearance and report changes in their circumstances (regulation 5). The regulations also set out how clearance can be withdrawn (regulation 4).
The regulations and MDP guidance set out what counts as a change in circumstances. Read both when you join, so you know what to report and when.
What to gather early
The MDP's application asks for vetting background and financial information. This list is our suggestion of what to have ready, based on what the MDP says it checks.
| Item | What to collect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses | Every address for at least 5 years (10 if you want a DV site), with dates | Residency is strictly applied and vetting checks it |
| Time abroad | Every trip, study period or job abroad with dates and countries | More than 6 months in total in 5 years breaks the residency rule |
| Employment and education | Employers, dates, managers' names and any gaps with an explanation | Gaps are easier to explain now than when asked |
| Finances | Your credit file, any IVA or DMP statements, bankruptcy discharge date, CCJ paperwork | SC includes credit checks; DV adds financial checks |
| Police contact | Any time you were a victim, suspect or witness; any caution, penalty notice or conviction | The MDP asks you to disclose all police contact |
| Military | Any dealings with Military Authorities | The MDP asks you to disclose these |
| Social media | Every account, including ones you no longer use | All must comply with the Police Code of Ethics |
| Referees | People who know you well and can be contacted, if you are aiming for a DV site | DV includes referee interviews |
MOD Police vs Civil Nuclear Constabulary vetting
| MOD Police | Civil Nuclear Constabulary | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | Police vetting plus UK Security Vetting | Police and National Security Vetting. Since 2008 every joiner has had both. |
| Who does police vetting | The MDP (to the College Code of Practice) | Thames Valley Police on the CNC's behalf (FOI, 2021) |
| National security level for a new officer | SC minimum; DV for some sites | The CNC does not publish it: "the type of vetting required will depend on the role" |
| Residence | 5 years (10 for DV sites); not flexible | An expectation of up to 10 years depending on the vetting level; shortfall does not stop an application |
| How long | Not published | Vetting can take up to three months |
The main difference for applicants is certainty. The MDP states SC as the minimum and names DV sites. The CNC does not publish the national security level for a new officer and frames residence as an expectation rather than a fixed rule. See our CNC vs MOD Police comparison.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out police contact as a witness or victim. The MDP asks for all police contact, not only offences.
- Forgetting old social media accounts. Unused accounts count.
- Guessing addresses and dates. Vetting checks them. Use records.
- Moving house before DV is confirmed. A DV fail means another posting and no relocation expenses.
- Assuming 5 years' residence is enough for any site. DV sites need 10.
- Not mentioning dealings with Military Authorities. The MDP asks for them.
- Ignoring a CCJ. It must not be outstanding.
What the MDP does not publish
- How long police vetting, SC or DV take.
- A full list of DV sites beyond AWE, Menwith Hill and RNAD Coulport.
- Which sites are US Visiting Forces bases.
- How to challenge an SC or DV decision. The MDP mentions an appeal for police vetting only.
- Any Counter-Terrorist Check for constables. SC is the stated minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vetting does the MOD Police need?
Two layers. Police vetting (carried out by the MDP to the College of Policing Vetting Code of Practice) and UK Security Vetting. Every new entrant must get Security Check (SC) clearance as a minimum. Postings to some sites, such as AWE, Menwith Hill and RNAD Coulport, need Developed Vetting (DV).
What is the difference between SC and DV for the MOD Police?
SC is the minimum for every new MDP entrant and includes credit checks and UK criminal and security record checks. DV is needed for postings to specific sites and goes further: detailed questionnaires, financial and credit reference checks, referee interviews and a detailed interview with a Vetting Officer. DV also needs 10 years' UK residence instead of 5.
What happens if I fail DV with the MOD Police?
The MDP says you would be offered another posting suited to the clearance you achieved, with no entitlement to relocation expenses. It advises you not to commit financially to a house move until clearance for your posting is confirmed.
When does MOD Police vetting start?
Your application submission asks for vetting background and financial information. After the interviews, the MDP starts your SC application and police vetting checks. DV posts are processed after your station allocation is confirmed and SC is granted.
Does the MOD Police check social media?
Yes. Police vetting includes open-source internet checks. The MDP says all your accounts, including ones you no longer use, must comply with the Police Code of Ethics.
Does the MOD Police need a Counter-Terrorist Check?
The MDP's vetting pages do not mention a Counter-Terrorist Check. The national security minimum for every new entrant is SC.
Can I appeal if I fail MOD Police vetting?
The MDP says a refusal of police vetting can be appealed. We have not found MDP guidance on challenging an SC or DV decision.
How long does MOD Police vetting take?
The MDP does not publish a timescale for police vetting, SC or DV. DV comes later than SC because it is processed after your station is confirmed.
Do I need DV to join the MOD Police?
Not necessarily. SC is the minimum for every new entrant. DV is needed only for postings to sites that require it, such as AWE, Menwith Hill and RNAD Coulport, or if you are later posted to a site with higher security requirements. DV sites also need 10 years' UK residence.
What is a Common Access Card?
The MDP says officers at United States Visiting Forces bases need a Common Access Card, which means giving personal information to the US Visiting Forces authorities. The MDP does not say which sites these are.
Sources and how we checked them
Every factual claim on this page was written from the sources below, read on 23 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so check the source for the date you are reading this. Where we could not confirm something from an official or independent source, the page says so rather than guessing. Spotted something out of date? See our corrections policy.
- MDP: Police vetting : College Vetting Code of Practice and APP; open-source and national police systems checks; social media and Code of Ethics; disclose police contact and dealings with Military Authorities; police vetting refusal can be appealed; Common Access Card at US Visiting Forces bases; previous police service bars (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: UK Security Vetting (UKSV) : SC minimum for all new entrants; SC checks; DV for specific sites and what it involves; DV fail means another posting with no relocation expenses; DV if later posted to a higher-security site (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: New Recruit recruitment process : application asks for vetting background and finances; stage 4 SC and police vetting; DV after station allocation and SC; appointment subject to vacancy and references (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: New Recruit entry criteria : 5 or 10 years' residence; DV site examples AWE, Menwith Hill and RNAD Coulport; finance rules (accessed 23 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Ministry of Defence Police entry requirements : residency criterion not flexible and strictly applied (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: Our locations : regions of the named DV sites and the advert locations (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: NEOF recruitment process : NEOF medical, fitness, SC and police vetting; DV after station allocation (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: NEOF application request : not subject to a live conduct or performance investigation (accessed 23 October 2026)
- MDP: New Recruit AFO CT advert : New Recruit locations including AWE Aldermaston, AWE Burghfield and RNAD Coulport (accessed 23 October 2026)
- Ministry of Defence Police (Vetting) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/428) : in force 18 May 2026: officers must hold and maintain vetting clearance and report changes in circumstances (reg 5); withdrawal of clearance (reg 4) (accessed 23 October 2026)
- CNC careers: Police officers : police and National Security Vetting; residence expectation of up to 10 years (accessed 23 October 2026)
- CNC careers: Applying for a role : vetting type depends on the role; up to three months (accessed 23 October 2026)
- CNC FOI 272 (3 November 2021), vetting : UKSV and police recruitment vetting since 2008; police vetting by Thames Valley Police (accessed 23 October 2026)
On this topic elsewhere
More in this guide series
Free tools for MOD Police and CNC applicants
Disclaimer
PolicePay.co.uk is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with the Ministry of Defence Police, the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, the Defence Police Federation, the Civil Nuclear Police Federation, the College of Policing or any other force. It does not recruit, vet or assess applicants. Every fact here comes from the force's own pages, GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk or the other sources listed, read on the date shown. Each force sets and changes its own process and pay: check its current pages and your own invitation before relying on anything here. Our practice questions are original PolicePay material, not questions used by either force. Details are as checked on 23 October 2026.