The Short Answer
Police vetting checks your criminal record, financial status (debts/bankruptcy), and designated "associates" (family/partners). The goal is to ensure you are not vulnerable to corruption or blackmail. Honesty is the most critical factor.
On this page
The 3 Pillars of Vetting
Vetting is not just about "have you been arrested?". It covers three distinct areas:
Integrity
Are you honest? If you lie on the form, you fail immediately.
Vulnerability
Are you in so much debt that a criminal could bribe you?
Association
Do you hang around with criminals? Can you be trusted with sensitive intel?
Criminal Record Checks
They check the Police National Computer (PNC) and PND (Intelligence). You must declare:
- Convictions (Spent and Unspent)
- Cautions, Reprimands, and Final Warnings
- Traffic Offences (Speeding tickets, etc.)
- Arrests (Even if no further action was taken)
Financial Checks
They check with credit reference agencies (Experian/Equifax). They are looking for:
Red Flags
- CCJs: County Court Judgments. A major red flag. Usually must be satisfied.
- IVAs: Individual Voluntary Arrangements. Can apply if discharged, but requires declaration.
- Defaults: Missed payments. One or two might be okay, but ignoring debt is bad.
Debt Management Plans
Associates (Family/Friends)
You must list parents, siblings, partners, and housemates. If your brother is a drug dealer, it doesn't automatically bar you, BUT you must be honest about it.
The Golden Rule: If you declare it, they can risk-assess it. If you hide it, they will find out and reject you for dishonesty.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking a caution is 'spent' and doesn't need declaring.
- Leaving off a family member because you don't speak to them.
- Guessing dates of past addresses (check your Amazon history!).
Vetting Impact Checker
Anonymous tool to check if your history is a dealbreaker.
Recruitment Timeline Planner
Estimate when your vetting will come back.
Explore Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does police vetting take?
It typically takes between 4 and 12 weeks. However, complex cases (e.g., if you have lived abroad or have many family members with convictions) can take 6 months or more.
What is the difference between CTC, SC and DV?
Most police recruits undergo RV (Recruitment Vetting) which is similar to CTC (Counter Terrorist Check). SC (Security Check) and DV (Developed Vetting) are for higher-level sensitive roles.
Does vetting check my social media?
Yes. They can check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. for discriminatory comments, association with extremist groups, or behaviour that brings the force into disrepute.
Will they speak to my neighbours?
Not usually for standard recruitment vetting. They will check police intelligence systems for your address history, but they don't generally knock on doors unless it is for DV clearance.
What if I forget to declare something?
This is viewed as a 'Lack of Integrity'. It is better to declare something minor than to hide it and have them find it. If you genuinely forgot, explain this immediately.
Does my partner's criminal record affect me?
It can do. You must declare all 'associates' (family, partners, housemates). If your partner is a serious criminal, you may be rejected due to 'susceptibility to pressure'.
Can I appeal a vetting rejection?
Yes, you usually have 14-28 days to submit an appeal. You need to provide new evidence or explain why the decision was disproportionate.
Does a poor credit score fail vetting?
Not necessarily. A low score isn't a problem, but unmanaged debt (CCJs, defaults, IVAs) is. They are looking for financial vulnerability to bribery.
Independence Statement: Police Pay UK is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any police force or the College of Policing. Official policies can change; always verify with your chosen force's recruitment team.
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