Every police officer will be re-vetted if there is a change in their circumstances – including a conviction of the lowest level of misconduct – amid overhaul following David Carrick scandal
- New proposals are designed to root out corrupt and criminal police officers
- Comes as public trust in the force is low after a series of appalling scandals
Police officers found guilty of low-level misconduct will now be completely re-vetted to see if they can return to policing.
The overhaul – which comes in the wake of rapist Met cop David Carrick’s 17 years of abuse – is designed as a deterrent to rogue law enforcers.
And in a further measure forces shown to turn a blind eye will be blocked from assessing their own staff.
The new rules – which some members of the public may be surprised are not already in place – have been announced to try and restore trust in the police.
They come after high profile criminal officers, like rapist murderer Wayne Couzens and serial sex attacker Carrick, have appalled the public.
David Carrick – who was actually already known as ‘B****** Dave’ to his colleagues – carried out 48 rapes in less than 20 years while he was a Met policeman.
Met Police officer Wayne Couzens used his job and warrant card to kidnap, rape then murder Sarah Everard after staging a fake arrest
Carrick – who was actually already known as ‘B****** Dave’ to his colleagues – carried out 48 rapes in less than 20 years while he was a Met policeman.
The Times reported the overhaul will see police forces have to carry out vetting again, regardless of the time of the last check, if there is a material change in an officer’s circumstances.
There will be a specially accredited vetting team and it will be compulsory that if clearance cannot be held the police officer will be dismissed.
The College of Policing will also be given powers toto suspend vetting at any force under par.
College of policing chairman Andy Marsh said it was vital that trust was rebuilt after scandals
Andy Marsh, chairman of the college, said that the new measures would bring national consistency and ensure high standards. He said that after a series of scandals, changes to vetting were ‘vital if we are to start rebuilding trust with our communities’.
‘The dreadful crimes committed by police officers and staff exposed over recent months are compounded by the fact some of them flew under the radar because opportunities to detect them were missed.’
Chris Philp, the crime and policing minister, said: ‘Police officers must be subject to the highest vetting standards so that those who are not fit to wear the uniform are not able to join the force or remain in it.
‘The police must root out all unacceptable behaviour from its ranks.’
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