Nottinghamshire Police has responded to a national report that condemned poor police vetting standards released by a police watchdog. The force was one of eight inspected by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) which reviewed hundreds of police vetting files for recent recruits.
It said it uncovered too many cases of officers having criminal records or links to organised crime, adding that they should not have been allowed to join the police and that it had been “too easy” for them to do so. The chances of someone like Sarah Everard’s murderer Wayne Couzens becoming a police officer would have been “clearly reduced” had measures been put in place to improve screening checks, the watchdog has said.
Nottinghamshire Police said the inspectorate rated them as "Good" with only one area for improvement, which has since been addressed. During the inspection HMICFRS dip sampled the forces' vetting data and found all officers and staff had the correct level of vetting for their role. In the vast majority of cases, Nottinghamshire Police recorded the decision and rationale "well."
The watchdog, speculating on the national figure, said "hundreds, if not thousands, of corrupt officers may be serving in England and Wales police forces" — some with criminal records while others have links to organised crime. The inspection, commissioned in October last year by then-home secretary Priti Patel in the wake of Ms Everard’s murder, concluded that a culture of misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour towards female police officers, staff and members of the public still existed and was “prevalent” in many forces.
Nottinghamshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Steven Cooper said: “We welcome the latest HMICFRS Inspection into vetting and misconduct. In March 2022 HMICFRS conducted an independent inspection of Nottinghamshire Police to examine the effectiveness of the force’s response to vetting and counter-corruption.
"It was reassuring that the inspectorate rated us as Good, with only one area for improvement, which we have now addressed. That said, we are not complacent and will continually look to improve the service we offer.”
“The public can have trust and confidence in the processes and procedures we have in force, to ensure that our officers and staff meet the high standards expected of them.” The vast majority of our staff are dedicated professionals who serve the public of Nottinghamshire to the highest standards.
"When a member of the public calls the police they want that trust, confidence, reassurance and professionalism immediately and that is what we will deliver."
As well as forces linked to Couzens – The Metropolitan Police, Kent Police and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary – the inspection scrutinised practices in the Cumbria, South Wales, Nottinghamshire, Dorset and Devon and Cornwall forces.
READ NEXT:
