The short answer
Police vetting is a risk-based assessment process that considers integrity, security and suitability. It is separate from misconduct proceedings and does not determine guilt. Vetting decisions are about whether an individual is suitable to hold a policing role.
Police vetting is a preventative process used across UK policing to assess whether an individual is suitable to hold or continue to hold a policing role. It is often discussed during recruitment or when issues arise, but the underlying process is rarely explained clearly.
This guide explains how police vetting works, what it looks at, how decisions are made, and how vetting fits alongside other professional standards frameworks.
What Vetting Assesses
Vetting units conduct an holistic assessment of an individual across several technical and personal domains:
- Integrity: Honesty and transparency in all personal and professional dealings.
- Associations: The risk of compromise through family, friends, or known associates.
- Financial Vulnerability: Assessing whether financial debt or vulnerability could lead to external pressure or corruption.
- Disclosure History: The accuracy and completeness of information provided during the application.
- Online Activity: Suitability of social media presence and online behavior.
Vetting vs Misconduct
It is critical to distinguish between these two frameworks. Vetting evaluates risk and suitability for the future, whereas misconduct addresses accountability for behavior in the past. An officer may be cleared of misconduct but still fail a vetting review if the vetting unit identifies an unacceptable risk to the organization's integrity.
Compare vetting and misconduct in detail →How Vetting Decisions Are Used
Vetting decisions are primarily operational tools used to maintain the security and integrity of the police service. They are not intended as punishment. If an officer's vetting is withdrawn, it is because they no longer meet the institutional risk threshold required for their role.
Vetting Resources & Tools
Related Vetting Guides
The 2026 Vetting Court Ruling
Detailed breakdown of the recent Court of Appeal decision.
How Police Vetting Works
Detailed guide for new applicants and recruits.
Vetting and Licence to Practise
How vetting links to new professional standards.
How Long Vetting Takes
Timeline explanations and delay reasons.
Can You Fail Vetting?
Understanding unsuccessful outcomes and suitability.
Common Questions
Is vetting disciplinary?
No. Vetting is a preventive risk-assessment process used to determine suitability for a role. It is distinct from the formal disciplinary systems used to address specific misconduct.
Can vetting remove an officer?
Vetting itself does not remove an officer. However, because holding a valid vetting clearance is a mandatory condition of service, the withdrawal of that clearance may lead to a suitability board and potential dismissal through established regulations.
Does vetting apply to all roles?
Yes. All individuals working within the police service—including officers, staff, volunteers, and contractors—are subject to vetting. The level of clearance required varies based on the sensitivity of the role.
Can vetting decisions be reviewed?
Yes. Most forces operate an internal 'Right of Review' for vetting decisions to ensure they were made fairly and according to the Vetting Code of Practice.
Has vetting changed recently?
Vetting standards are subject to continuous review. Recent changes emphasize national consistency and the ability for forces to consider a broader range of suitability information, as confirmed by recent court rulings.