Report: Poor Vetting Allows Criminals into UK Police

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Facts

  • A new report by a police watchdog reveals what it calls a widespread culture of misogyny and predatory behavior fed by poor vetting practices among police forces in England and Wales.
  • The report found that out of 725 sample cases, there were concerns about 131 officers who should have failed vetting checks due to criminal records, being suspected of serious offenses, having substantial debts, or familial links to organized crime.
  • The report, published on Wednesday from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for England and Wales, was ordered after the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by Metropolitan (Met) police officer Wayne Couzens.
  • The report looked at eight police forces, including the Met and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the two forces where Couzens served as an armed officer.
  • An investigation by the Evening Standard found that of 143 officers who are reportedly under investigation for domestic violence offenses, 69 have yet to be placed on desk duties. A further 284 officers allegedly face investigations for other crimes, with 67 still serving without any restrictions.
  • In addition to the 725 vetting files that the group examined, it also reviewed 11,277 police officers and staff amid calls for minimum standards of pre-employment checks and changes to the law for how police complaints are handled.

Sources: Newsbud, BBC News, Guardian, Standard, and Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Spectator. The growing issues in the police force have been brewing for decades, with warning signs repeatedly going unnoticed. This latest report signals that the rotten core of the force may finally be coming to a head, and unless a drastic change in course is taken, growing public mistrust will only foment an imminent revolt against the boys in blue.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Spectator. While the findings outlined raise serious concerns and should be properly addressed, with crime at a record 20-year high, now isn't the time to derail UK's police force. Reform is undoubtedly needed, but there should be a concerted effort to unite rather than foment an us vs. them mentality.