In short: what was the 2026 vetting ruling?
In January 2026, the Court of Appeal confirmed that forces can lawfully consider unproven allegations during vetting reviews. Unlike misconduct hearings, which require proof on the "balance of probabilities," vetting is a forward-looking risk assessment. If an officer's vetting is withdrawn, they can be dismissed for failing to meet a mandatory condition of service.
The Di Maria Case
The recent legal changes stem from a significant judicial review involving Sergeant Lino Di Maria against the Metropolitan Police Service. This case tested the boundary between vetting and misconduct.
The Initial Challenge (2025)
The High Court initially ruled that the Met could not lawfully dismiss an officer based only on a vetting withdrawal, citing 2024 regulations.
The Appeal Ruling (Jan 2026)
The Court of Appeal overturned this. It confirmed that because vetting is about assessing future risk, "no particular event need be proved to have happened" for suitability to be reconsidered.
Vetting Levels Explained
All officers and staff are subject to vetting, but the level of clearance depends on the sensitivity of the role and the access required to national security assets.
Recruitment Vetting
Duration: Life of Service (reviewed 7-10yrs)
The baseline for all new recruits. Focuses on identity, residency, financial stability, and criminal history.
Management Vetting
Duration: Role Dependent (reviewed 7yrs)
Required for sensitive intelligence, finance, or disciplinary roles. Includes deeper lifestyle and background audits.
Security Clearance
Duration: Up to 10yrs
National Security clearance for officers working in Counter-Terrorism or sensitive specialist units.
Developed Vetting
Duration: 7yrs (annual review)
The highest level of clearance. Involves character interviews and deep-dive audits into all aspects of an officer's life.
Vetting vs Misconduct
It is critical to distinguish between these two separate frameworks. One process does not replace the other; they operate in parallel for different purposes.
Police Vetting
- • Risk-based assessment
- • Broader integrity considerations
- • Forward-looking suitability
- • Not a disciplinary process
Misconduct
- • Evidence-based proceedings
- • Behaviour-focused
- • Retrospective accountability
- • Formal disciplinary sanctions
Confirmed Results
What was confirmed
- ✓
Vetting outcomes may be relied upon for suitability decisions.
- ✓
Forces can act on vetting concerns lawfully to protect integrity.
- ✓
Vetting remains separate from misconduct investigations.
- ✓
The ruling does NOT amend existing Police Regulations.
What does NOT change
- ✕
No automatic dismissal power is introduced.
- ✕
No bypassing identified misconduct thresholds.
- ✕
No removal of established appeal or review mechanisms.
- ✕
No immediate operational change for the majority of officers.
When Vetting is Withdrawn
The 2026 ruling clarifies that while dismissal is a likely outcome of vetting withdrawal, it is not an automatic administrative act. It must follow a structured suitability pathway.
1. The Review Period
If adverse information is received (unproven allegations, financial distress, or third-party associations), the Vetting Unit initiates a formal review. The officer is usually invited to make written representations at this stage.
2. Regulation 13 (Student Officers)
For officers in their probationary period, vetting withdrawal is often handled via Regulation 13, which assesses the officer's suitability for the office of constable. The threshold for removal under Reg 13 is significantly lower than for serving officers.
3. Suitability Boards (Serving Officers)
For permanent officers, a Suitability Board or Service Delivery Review follows. This board determines if the officer can fulfill their role without clearance. Since vetting is a mandatory condition of service, removal of clearance typically makes the officer's position contractually untenable.
Licence to Practise
Vetting is increasingly aligned with evolving professional standards. The emerging Licence to Practise framework is intended to create national consistency in these assessments.
Interactive Analysis Tools
Use these guided explainers to understand how vetting and reform interact with your professional status.
Vetting vs Misconduct Checker
Understand which process applies in common scenarios.
Licence to Practise Readiness Check
How vetting, standards, and professional status interact.
Common Questions
Can police vetting remove an officer?
Vetting itself does not remove an officer. It informs suitability decisions, which must still follow lawful processes and established Police Regulations.
Is vetting the same as misconduct?
No. Vetting assesses risk and suitability for institutional safety, while misconduct assesses specific behaviour and personal accountability.
Does this ruling change Police Regulations?
No. Existing Police Regulations remain unchanged. The ruling confirms how vetting results can be used within those existing legal frameworks.
Does this apply to all officers?
While the ruling confirms broad legal principles, it does not automatically affect the day-to-day policing or professional status of the majority of officers.