Police Vetting Stage Checker
Understand what each area of recruitment vetting involves. Your force decides the order and timing.
Police Vetting Stage Checker
Understand what each area of recruitment vetting involves. The national guidance does not set numbered stages, and your force decides the order.
If you want to plan calmly, this can help
The readiness report summarises common preparation considerations applicants usually think through, based on the areas you’ve explored on PolicePay.
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About this tool
This tool gives a plain-English overview of what recruitment vetting involves, based on the Vetting Code of Practice and College of Policing vetting guidance. The national guidance does not set numbered stages, so the areas shown here are a guide, not your force's process.
Verifying Facts
Checks records, residency and history against what you declare.
Risk Assessment
Considers whether anything could make you vulnerable to pressure or raise an integrity concern.
Sources: Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 (as amended from 13 July 2026), Vetting Code of Practice, College of Policing Vetting APP (May 2025), Lancashire Constabulary vetting page. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first stage of vetting?
The national guidance does not define numbered vetting stages. Your force will tell you when to complete the vetting form and what happens next. The form asks about identity, five years of address history, three years of continual UK residency, convictions, finances and associates.
How long does vetting normally take?
There is no national vetting timescale and forces vary. Some publish their own figure, for example Lancashire Constabulary says six to eight weeks, but check your own force. Vetting takes longer where there is more to check or the forms are incomplete.
What changed for police candidates in July 2026?
From 13 July 2026 the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 require a police officer candidate to hold clearance from the appointing force, granted within the six months before appointment. Some convictions and cautions now automatically disqualify candidates, and a refused candidate is entitled to detailed written reasons and a right of appeal.