Failed Police Vetting
Because of Family?
If your police vetting was refused, or you are worried it will be, because of a relative, partner, housemate or friend, this guide sets out the test the force applies, the factors the College of Policing tells decision-makers to weigh, what the force must and must not tell you since the July 2026 rules, how to appeal and when you can apply again. Rules checked 1 October 2026.
Independent information, not advice · Sources checked 1 October 2026 · England and Wales unless stated
Yes, but never automatically. The force asks whether there are reasonable grounds to suspect a family member or associate is involved in crime and, if so, whether refusing is appropriate in all the circumstances. Refusals usually turn on a close or current relationship, serious or recent offending, money links, or not declaring someone. You are entitled to reasons, can appeal on three grounds, and can apply again.
The test the force applies to your family
Every vetting decision that involves adverse information uses the same two-stage test, set out in the College of Policing's statutory Vetting Code of Practice (5.6) and its vetting authorised professional practice (APP 9.2):
- Are there reasonable grounds for suspecting that the applicant, a family member or other relevant associate, is or has been involved in criminal activity, or is or has been subject to other adverse information? (Financial vulnerability is assessed for the applicant only.)
- If so, is it appropriate, in all the circumstances, to refuse clearance?
So the question is never simply "does your brother have a record?". It is whether that record, or intelligence about him, creates a risk to the force, to you or to the public that cannot be managed. The Code says each case must be decided on its own merits and that a decision does not set a precedent.
Since 13 July 2026 this is also written into law for police officer candidates. The Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025, as amended by SI 2026/653, define the "vetting application assessment" a force must carry out as a comprehensive and in-depth assessment that includes checks giving, so far as reasonably practicable, information about your close associations (reg 2), and a force may grant clearance only if it is satisfied you are suitable (reg 4B(3)). The decision is made by the force vetting manager or a nominated decision-maker, separate from recruitment (Code 5.6; APP Appendix N 6.4).
This page is about other people. If the concern is your own conviction or caution, different and stricter rules apply, including automatic disqualification for some offences since July 2026 (reg 4D). See can I join the police with a criminal record.
Who is checked, and what the form asks about relatives
The APP's table of standard checks (6.5) says recruitment vetting covers third parties including children aged 10 and over: partners, former partners, all family, co-residents and notifiable associations, with Police National Computer and Police National Database checks on them. Police National Computer name checks are run on everyone named on the form (6.5.1.a), and counter-terrorism checks cover partner, family, associates and co-residents (6.5.5.a).
| Who | What the national sample form asks | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Current partner(s) | Anyone you have a regular significant relationship with or intend to marry, even if you do not live together, plus their parents and their parents' current partners | Vetting APP, Appendix I, section 2 |
| Former partners | Significant relationships that ended in the last three years, and anyone you share children or ongoing legal responsibilities with, whenever the relationship ended. Casual relationships are not required | Appendix I, section 3 |
| Children | All children regardless of age: biological, adopted, current foster, step, your partner's children and children you are guardian to | Appendix I, section 4 |
| Parents | Biological, adoptive and step-parents, legal guardians, anyone responsible for your upbringing, and your parents' current partners | Appendix I, section 5 |
| Siblings | Full, half, step and adopted siblings | Appendix I, section 6 |
| Co-residents | Anyone living at your address not already listed, such as lodgers, housemates or the property owner | Appendix I, section 7 |
| Anyone else you know | Anyone, including relatives, you know or have reason to believe has convictions, is or was engaged in crime, or associates regularly with criminals; plus extremist links, conflicts of interest, ex-law-enforcement investigators and people dismissed from policing | Appendix I, questions 8.13 to 8.17 |
The form defines associating widely: an acquaintance, friendship or relationship, "simply knowing another person even if you have no contact with them", and contact by phone or social media, not just in person. For each person you declare it asks for their name, address and date of birth, why you are declaring them and what you know, your relationship and how often and in what way you are in contact.
Forces word this in their own way. joiningthepolice.co.uk lists your parents, parents' partners, siblings, partners and children, and names "not providing a full list of family members, including step family and half siblings" among the most common errors. Avon and Somerset Police says it will check whether close family or co-residents are involved in crime and that it is your responsibility to tell them these enquiries will be made. For how to describe each person on the form, see our guide to police vetting and family members.
How the risk is weighed: the guidance's own factors
Appendix N of the APP is the College's guidance on common risk categories. Section 6 deals with associations. It says a third party has to be assessed if they have convictions or cautions for recordable offences, or if intelligence suggests they are involved in criminal activity. Decision-makers should then consider, among other things:
- the nature of the relationship, and any evidence of distance between you
- your openness, or how likely it is you were unaware
- how recent the police interest was
- any financial relationship
- how likely you are to come across the person, or to handle their information, in your job
- whether your duty could be affected, for example through pressure or a conflict of interest
- the nature, location, number and seriousness of the offences and the period over which they happened
- the potential for information leakage, damage to the force's capability or discredit to the service
- any pending prosecution or ongoing investigation that may need monitoring
Section 6.4 then lists points that weigh each way. This is the most useful part of the guidance if you are trying to understand a refusal, because a well-reasoned decision letter should map onto it.
| Points against granting clearance (Appendix N 6.4.1) | Points supporting clearance (Appendix N 6.4.2) |
|---|---|
| Evidence of joint enterprise between you and the third party | Evidence of distance between you and the third party |
| Their convictions or cautions are serious, recent, operationally significant, committed close to or within the force area, or linked to wider criminality | Their convictions or cautions were minor, not recent, not in the force area, not operationally significant, or there are mitigating circumstances |
| Intelligence about them is reliable, significant, recent or could compromise operational policing, you or police assets | The intelligence has low reliability, is not recent, is not about criminality or would not compromise policing, you or police assets |
| The relationship is close through an emotional or social connection, or you live near each other | You have been open throughout, or you were very likely unaware of what they were doing |
| You have a financial relationship with them | For people who have served before: a reassuring service history, including reporting notifiable matters |
| Because you were unaware or did not disclose, the force cannot discuss the risk with you to plan how to manage it | |
| You have not told the vetting unit about a change of circumstances, or have not engaged with reviews |
Two points stand out. First, openness supports clearance but the APP says it "should not be used as an overriding factor" (8.8.3): being honest does not cancel a serious risk. Second, not being open counts twice: the form warns that failing to disclose an associate's criminal activity, where you are reasonably believed to know of it, may cause your integrity to be questioned and could result in clearance being declined, and the non-disclosure itself is listed as a factor against clearance.
The College's pre-employment guidance adds the same core questions in shorter form: the likely impact on your performance of duty, the nature, number, period and seriousness of the offending, and whether the circumstances could threaten public trust or bring discredit on the service.
Possible outcomes, and what each one means
A concern about a relative does not mean a straight pass or fail. The Code (5.8) says that where clearance is granted after considering adverse information, risk mitigation must be considered, and the APP's Appendix N 6.4 says that where clearance is granted with known third-party risks, forces should act under their local notifiable associations policy. Every force has one; the sample form describes it as a way to support people who disclose relationships that could compromise their work, so risks can be managed and advice given.
| Outcome | What it means | What you are entitled to (police officer candidates) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance granted | No conditions. Your recruitment team is told and onboarding continues | Clearance must be granted within the six months ending with your appointment date, or you reapply | Regs 4B(1), 4C |
| Granted with conditions | Clearance with a risk management plan, for example a notifiable association report or restrictions on what you can access. You should normally be told the conditions and asked to agree to them in writing | Detailed written reasons, and a right of appeal against the conditions | Regs 4B(4)(b), 4F, 4G; APP 9.10, Appendix N 6.4 |
| Exploratory vetting interview first | Not an outcome but a common step: a non-adversarial interview (in person, phone or video) to clarify a concern before a decision | Not adversarial. The APP says refusing to engage openly can lead the force to conclude a risk cannot be managed | APP 8.5.6 |
| Clearance declined | You cannot be appointed by that force on this application | Detailed written reasons (subject to the harm test), and a right of appeal to someone not involved in the decision | Regs 4F, 4G, 8(2) |
| Clearance revoked before you start | Granted, then withdrawn because the force decided you are no longer suitable, for example after a change you reported | Detailed written reasons and a right of appeal | Regs 4E(2), 4F, 4G |
If you are asked to an exploratory vetting interview about a relative, the APP describes it as a chance to clarify queries and how risks might be managed (8.5.6.b). Answer what you know, say plainly what you do not know, and do not guess.
What the force must tell you, and what it can hold back
This is where family cases feel most unfair, because the person refused is often not the person the concern is about.
- The law since 13 July 2026. Where a force declines a police officer candidate's clearance, grants it with conditions, changes conditions or revokes it, it must give you detailed reasons in writing (reg 4F(1)). It must not give you information where it considers a harm-test reason applies, such as preventing or detecting crime, protecting an informant or witness, national security, or the public interest (regs 4F(2) and 8(2)).
- The College guidance. The APP (May 2025) says the results of checks on family members and associates must not be disclosed to the applicant, but that the vetting unit should look at what is in the public domain so it can disclose as much as possible (Appendix N 6.4; 6.3.2). The sample form tells applicants that, because of data protection law, the force cannot discuss information about your associations that you do not already know or that is not in the public domain.
- Which wins. The College's Code of Practice page states that where the Regulations and the Code are inconsistent, the Regulations prevail. In practice, expect the letter to explain the ground for refusal (for example, an association with a person involved in crime) and the factors weighed, without necessarily naming what police records hold on that person.
The APP also says the letter should state that the decision was made in line with the APP, give section references and tell you about your right to appeal (9.15.5). If any of that is missing, ask for it.
Step by step: what to do after a family-related refusal
- Read the letter the day it arrives and note any appeal deadline. The deadline is set by your force, not by national rules.
- Check you have written reasons. If you are a police officer candidate and the letter gives no reasons, ask for them under regulation 4F. Avon and Somerset Police, for example, tells applicants to request feedback through its candidate portal.
- Separate facts from judgement. List what the letter says about the person, your relationship, contact, living arrangements and money. Mark anything that is factually wrong, such as an address, a relationship or a person who has moved out.
- Compare the reasons with the Appendix N factors. Does the letter explain why the relationship creates a current risk? Does it deal with distance, age of the offending and your openness?
- Decide whether to appeal, reapply later, or both in sequence. An appeal tests this decision; a later application is judged on your circumstances then. Neither route is guaranteed.
- If appealing, write to one or more of the three grounds, with evidence for each point (see the next section and our full guide to appealing a vetting decision).
- Keep copies of your form, the letter, your appeal and every reply. If you apply again you will need to describe the earlier refusal accurately.
The free vetting stage checker explains what each stage of recruitment vetting involves, so you can see where a refusal or a request for more information sits. To lay out your circumstances by risk area before writing an appeal or a fresh declaration, the AI vetting assessment gives a free overview; an optional full report is £19.99. It helps you prepare; it cannot predict a decision.
Appealing a refusal based on family or associates
For police officer candidates, regulation 4G gives a right to appeal against a refusal, conditions, changed conditions or a revocation. The appeal goes to a person the force nominates who has the right knowledge, skills and experience and was not involved in the decision, and the force must uphold their decision (reg 4G(2) and (6)). The APP adds that forces may use a single appeal decision-maker or a panel, that appeals are normally by written representations, and that decisions on appeal are final (10.5, 10.8).
| Appeal ground (reg 4G(3)) | How it can arise in a family or associate case | Illustrative example, not a real case |
|---|---|---|
| (a) The decision was unreasonable | The reasons do not engage with the factors the guidance says must be weighed, such as distance, how old the offending is, or your openness | A refusal over a cousin's single offence from many years ago, with no reasoning about why it creates a current risk to the force |
| (b) Evidence that could not reasonably have been considered, which could have materially affected the decision | Facts the force did not have: that you no longer live together, that a joint tenancy or loan has ended, or that a record belongs to someone else with a similar name | Showing that the co-resident the force identified moved out before your application, with a tenancy agreement |
| (c) Procedural or other unfairness which could have materially affected the decision | A concern you could safely have been asked about was never put to you, or the decision-maker was involved in the case in another way | You were refused for not declaring a relative you had in fact listed on a different page of the form |
Because you may not see what the checks found, family appeals often rest on facts you can prove about yourself: separate addresses, the end of a joint tenancy, loan or business, how often you are actually in contact, or evidence that a record belongs to someone else. Evidence about the relative's own character (for example, that they have changed) is less likely to move the decision unless it bears on the factors above, such as how recent the police interest is.
The Vetting Code of Practice (5.15) says the appeal process can consider all options and may conclude any option it considers reasonable and proportionate, including refusal. Do not include anything in an appeal you are not sure is accurate.
Police staff, PCSOs and other non-officer applicants are not covered by regulation 4G; their right to appeal comes from the Code (5.15) and the APP (9.14.5, 10.8) and follows their force's local policy.
Applying again: waiting periods and what actually changes
A refusal is a decision about the facts at that time. The APP says a declined clearance "does not set a precedent for any future vetting applications" and cannot be the rationale for a later decision where your circumstances have changed or the risk has been sufficiently reduced or can be mitigated, though earlier decisions may be relevant and explored (9.8.3).
- When. The College's pre-employment guidance says previous applicants can reapply three months after receiving their rejection letter, unless the force says otherwise. It is written about rejection generally, not vetting specifically, and forces decide locally, so ask the force you plan to apply to.
- What you will repeat. Since 13 July 2026 a police officer candidate can only apply for vetting after completing the recruitment stages: application, national sift, online assessment and interview (reg 4B(2)). If you move to a different force, the College's online assessments guide says accepting a transferred assessment pass is at that force's discretion.
- What to declare. Lancashire Constabulary tells applicants to give details of previous vetting, including which organisation did it, and that all previous vetting declines must be declared. Expect your new force to ask.
- What can make a difference. The factors that support clearance: genuine distance, the passage of time since the offending, no financial links, and openness throughout. Nothing in the guidance we read requires you to end a family relationship; whether to change one is your own decision.
- When it may not change. If a refusal reason is so significant that the force thinks you are unlikely ever to gain clearance, the APP says an intelligence report should be created on the Police National Database so later applications can take it into account (9.14.7).
Your earlier clearance attempt also has a shelf life if you are cleared next time: a candidate must hold clearance granted within the six months ending with the appointment date, and must reapply if the start date slips past that (regs 4B(1) and 4C(2)). Our guide to how long police vetting takes covers timing.
Police staff, PCSOs, specials and serving officers
- Police staff and PCSOs are vetted under the same Code and APP, including the same third-party factors, but the candidate rules in Part 1A of the Regulations (reasons and appeal under regs 4F and 4G) apply to people seeking appointment to a police force. See PCSO, special constable and staff vetting.
- Candidates who are cleared must promptly tell the vetting unit about any change in personal circumstances that may affect suitability (reg 4B(5)). Lancashire Constabulary's list of changes to report, for example, includes a new partner or co-resident and any new association with someone involved in criminal activity.
- Serving officers have the same continuing duty to report changes (reg 5(1)(b)). A relative's new offending is handled under the force's notifiable association policy and can lead to a review. For serving officers working out whether an issue is a vetting matter, a misconduct matter or both, see the vetting impact checker and failing vetting as a serving officer.
What people get wrong about family and vetting
| Common belief | What the guidance actually says |
|---|---|
| Any relative with a record means automatic failure | No. Third parties are weighed on the facts (APP Appendix N 6.1). The automatic disqualification rules in force since July 2026 apply to your own convictions and cautions, not a relative's |
| If I leave an estranged relative off, they will never know | PNC name checks are run on everyone named on the form and the form names the relationships it wants. Not disclosing something you knew about is itself a factor against clearance |
| They will tell me exactly what they found | Not necessarily. Detailed reasons are required for officer candidates, but information covered by the harm test is withheld, and the APP says third-party check results must not be disclosed |
| Being honest guarantees clearance | Openness supports clearance but is not an overriding factor (APP 8.8.3) |
| A refusal means I can never join any force | A declined clearance does not set a precedent (APP 9.8.3). It may still be explored next time, and in serious cases a PND intelligence report is created |
| I need to investigate my family before applying | The form says not to carry out, or ask anyone to carry out, checks on police systems, and that you are not expected to put anyone's safety at risk to get details you do not know |
| Only blood relatives count | Partners, a partner's parents, ex-partners from the last three years, step-family, co-residents and friends can all be third parties |
What to prepare, and what to ask the vetting unit
Before you submit (or resubmit) the form
- Full names, dates and places of birth and addresses for everyone the form lists, or a short note of why something is missing.
- For anyone you declare under the associations questions: why you are declaring them, what you know, your relationship and how often you are in contact.
- Evidence of the facts that matter: separate tenancy or council tax records, the end date of any joint account, loan or business.
- A note to the people you list that they are being checked (Avon and Somerset says this is your responsibility).
Questions worth asking
- Before applying, can I speak to the vetting unit in confidence about a relative? (joiningthepolice.co.uk suggests contacting your preferred force's vetting unit for advice before you start if you are worried.)
- What is the deadline for an appeal, and is it decided in writing, by one person or by a panel?
- Which of the factors in Appendix N 6.4 did the decision rely on?
- Is anything in the reasons being withheld under the harm test, and if so, on which ground?
- If my circumstances change, when would you consider a new application, and would my assessment results carry over?
- If I am cleared with conditions, what would I be asked to agree to under your notifiable association policy?
Independent legal advice may help if the refusal is complex or involves allegations you dispute. Candidates are not Police Federation members, so the Federation is not a route until you are appointed.
What we could not verify
| Question | What we found | Who to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline to appeal | Neither the Regulations nor the APP set one for candidates. It is set locally | Your decision letter, or the force vetting unit |
| Waiting period after a vetting refusal specifically | The College's three-month reapply point is written about rejection letters generally, not vetting refusals. We found no national rule for vetting | The force you want to apply to |
| How detailed 'detailed written reasons' will be in third-party cases | Reg 4F (from 13 July 2026) requires detailed reasons but allows information to be withheld under the harm test. The APP (May 2025) predates it and says third-party check results must not be disclosed. The Code of Practice page says the Regulations prevail. No published guidance yet shows how forces are reconciling the two | The force vetting unit; a Police Federation rep is not available to candidates, so consider a solicitor for complex cases |
| How many people fail vetting because of family | We found no national published figure for refusals by reason | Not available; be wary of anyone quoting one |
| Force pages we could not open | Some force recruitment pages returned errors to us on 1 October 2026, so we could not confirm their local rules on reapplying | The force's recruitment team |
Force policies apply the national guidance in their own way and change. Always follow your own force's form wording and letter, and check its recruitment pages before relying on anything here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fail police vetting because of a family member?
Yes, but not automatically. The vetting test asks whether there are reasonable grounds to suspect that you, a family member or another relevant associate is or has been involved in criminal activity and, if so, whether it is appropriate in all the circumstances to refuse clearance (Vetting Code of Practice 5.6; APP 9.2). Each case is decided on its own merits, using factors such as how close the relationship is, how recent and serious the offending was and whether you were open about it.
Why did I fail police vetting due to family?
The College's guidance lists what counts against clearance in third-party cases: joint enterprise, serious or recent offending close to the force area or linked to wider crime, reliable recent intelligence, a close emotional or social relationship or living nearby, a financial relationship, and non-disclosure that stops the force discussing the risk with you (APP Appendix N 6.4.1). Your letter should say which applied, unless the harm test prevents it.
Will they tell me which relative made me fail vetting?
Possibly not. Since 13 July 2026 a force refusing a police officer candidate must give detailed written reasons, but must withhold information where the harm test applies, for example to protect intelligence, prevent crime or protect a witness (Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025, regs 4F and 8(2)). The College's APP says results of checks on family members and associates must not be disclosed, though forces should consider what is already in the public domain.
Can I appeal a vetting refusal because of family?
Yes. A police officer candidate can appeal a refusal, conditions or a revocation to a person nominated by the force who was not involved in the decision, and the force must follow the appeal decision (reg 4G). The only grounds are that the decision was unreasonable, that evidence which could not reasonably have been considered could have materially affected it, or that procedural or other unfairness could have materially affected it.
How long do I have to appeal a failed vetting decision?
There is no deadline in the Regulations or the APP for candidate appeals; your force sets it, so check your decision letter the day it arrives. The APP says appeals must be dealt with as promptly as possible and that decisions made on appeal are final.
How long after failing vetting can I reapply?
We found no national waiting period specific to vetting refusals. The College's pre-employment guidance says previous applicants can reapply three months after their rejection letter unless the force says otherwise. The APP says a declined clearance does not set a precedent and cannot be the reason for a later refusal where your circumstances have changed or the risk has reduced, though the earlier decision may be explored.
Does a sibling's or parent's criminal record stop you joining the police?
Not automatically. Relatives' records are weighed on the nature, number and seriousness of the offences, how recent they are, how close you are, any financial links and whether the relationship could put you under pressure or create a conflict of interest (APP Appendix N 6.1; College pre-employment guidance). joiningthepolice.co.uk says a relative's conviction will not automatically hinder your chances and that each case is reviewed individually.
Does my partner's criminal record affect police vetting?
It can. Your current partner, and their parents, are listed on the national sample form and checked like other third parties (APP Appendix I, section 2). A partner is usually a close relationship, which the guidance treats as a factor against clearance where there is serious or recent offending, so the details of the offending and your circumstances matter.
Do I have to declare a relative I have no contact with?
If the form names the relationship, yes. The national sample form says to give as much as you know, such as dates and places of birth and last known address, and to explain what is missing; it says you are not expected to put your or your family's safety at risk to find out. Lancashire Constabulary says estranged family members with a record must be included.
Can I fail vetting because of intelligence about a relative, not a conviction?
Yes. Third parties are assessed where they have convictions or cautions for recordable offences or where intelligence suggests involvement in crime (APP Appendix N 6.1). The decision-maker must weigh how reliable, significant and recent the intelligence is, and the APP says the balance of probabilities test does not apply to vetting decisions (APP 9.3).
If one force refuses me because of family, can I apply to another force?
Yes, you can apply, but you should be honest about the earlier refusal: Lancashire Constabulary tells applicants that all previous vetting declines must be declared. The APP says the earlier decision may be explored but cannot be the reason for refusal where circumstances have changed. Where a reason was so significant that clearance is unlikely ever to be granted, the APP says an intelligence report should be created on the Police National Database (APP 9.14.7).
What if the information about my relative is wrong?
That can be an appeal under ground (b), new evidence that could have materially affected the decision, or ground (c) if you were never given a chance to respond. Typical examples are a mistaken identity, a record that has been confused with someone else's, or a relationship described wrongly. You can also ask the force how to make a subject access request for your own personal data; third-party information may still be withheld.
Should I stop seeing a family member so I can pass vetting?
That is a personal decision we cannot make for you. Nothing in the guidance we read says you must end contact with a relative. Evidence of distance is one factor among many, alongside how serious and recent the offending is and whether you have been open. Talk to the force vetting unit about how a relationship would be managed if you are cleared, for example under its notifiable association policy.
Sources and how we checked them
Every factual claim on this page was written from the sources below, read on 1 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.
- The Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/502), latest revised text, legislation.gov.uk — definition of a vetting application assessment including close associations (reg 2); candidate clearance, timing and conditions (4B, 4C, 4E); detailed reasons (4F); appeal grounds and process (4G); records (4H); harm test (8) (accessed 1 October 2026)
- The Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/653), as made — the amending instrument that inserted Part 1A for police candidates from 13 July 2026 (accessed 1 October 2026)
- College of Policing: Vetting authorised professional practice (May 2025, PDF) — third parties checked (6.5); vetting interviews (8.5.6); openness (8.8.3); two-stage test (9.2, 9.3); no precedent (9.8.3); PND report (9.14.7); communicating the decision (9.15); appeals (10); sample form (Appendix I, sections 2 to 8); associations factors and non-disclosure (Appendix N 6) (accessed 1 October 2026)
- College of Policing: Vetting Code of Practice (page notes the amended Regulations in force from 13 July 2026) — vetting test including family members and associates (5.6); risk mitigation and notification of conditions (5.8); independent appeal that can consider all options (5.15); Regulations prevail over the Code (accessed 1 October 2026)
- College of Policing: Police constable pre-employment guidance (April 2024, PDF) — relatives and associates with criminal convictions or cautions; previous applicants can reapply three months after a rejection letter unless the force says otherwise (accessed 1 October 2026)
- College of Policing: Online assessments candidate guide (updated 21 July 2026) — transfer of an online assessment pass between forces is at the receiving force's discretion (accessed 1 October 2026)
- joiningthepolice.co.uk: What's involved in vetting? — national recruitment site: family records must be declared, will not automatically hinder you, factors considered, common errors (accessed 1 October 2026)
- Lancashire Constabulary: Police vetting, what you need to know — one force's wording: estranged relatives with a record must be included, previous declines must be declared, reasons and appeal, appeal decision final (accessed 1 October 2026)
- Avon and Somerset Police: Vetting — one force's wording: checks on close family and co-residents, applicant's responsibility to tell them, requesting feedback after a decline (accessed 1 October 2026)
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Disclaimer
PolicePay.co.uk is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with the College of Policing, the Home Office or any police force, and it does not recruit, vet or assess applicants. Recruitment standards, assessment formats and vetting decisions are set by the College of Policing and each force and change from time to time: check the force you are applying to before relying on anything here. Details apply to England and Wales unless stated. Details are as checked on 1 October 2026.