Can You Fail Police Vetting?

The Concept of Suitability

Vetting is not a pass/fail exam in the traditional sense. It is a risk-based assessment. An unsuccessful outcome does not mean an applicant is a "bad person" or has committed a crime; it means that the Vetting Unit has identified a factor that creates a risk the organisation is not prepared to accept.

This is often referred to as failing to meet the suitability threshold.

Common Reasons for Unsuccessful Outcomes

While vetting units seldom provide a granular "reason for failure" for security reasons, common factors that lead to unsuccessful results include:

• Non-Disclosure: Failing to mention a historical involvement with police, even a minor one, is the primary reason for failure. Integrity is judged on your honesty today, not your mistakes in the past.
• Financial Vulnerability: Significant, unresolved debt or CCJs that suggest a vulnerability to external pressure.
• Third-Party Associations: Close links to individuals with significant criminal records or links to organised crime.
• Online Conduct: Social media activity that is inconsistent with the Code of Ethics or suggests extreme political or social views.

Is there a Right of Appeal?

For new applicants, there is no statutory right of appeal for a vetting refusal, though most forces operate an internal Right of Review. This allows a different manager within the vetting unit to look at the decision to ensure procedures were followed correctly and the decision was proportionate.