Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance? (2024)

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Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance? (1)

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Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance?

  • Publish Date: Posted almost 4 years ago
  • Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance? (2)
    Author:by Mike Pollard

When applying for a role within any police force, it is important to understand that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory vetting checks. Often candidates think that having a DBS/CRB certificate will be enough, but this is not the case.

The police conduct these checks to ensure that employees have the highest levels of integrity. Working within a station means you could have access to highly sensitive information, and it must be shown that you are not in a position where you could be influenced to give this information away. With access to software such as the Police National Computer (PNC) which stores millions of pieces of data, it is essential those with access are trustworthy. If you were to be targeted by a criminal organisation or private detective, can the force be sure that you are not going to give away that information?

Vetting checks are not only criminal convictions on the applicant, but also on their family and co-residents.

They also look at the financial status of applicants, as this determines whether you have been, are currently, or are likely to be in financial difficulty, or show signs of financial irresponsibility to the extent that you could become vulnerable to financial inducement.

As part of the checks, the vetting team will need to be able to check your residence, and therefore a requirement is that you have at least 5 years “checkable history” in the UK. If they cannot check this, they cannot grant vetting. Of course, if you have resided in another country as you were employed by the British Forces or on official duty for Her Majesty’s Government, this will not affect your application.

What should you declare?

The easy answer for this is everything. Having a conviction does not automatically mean you will fail the vetting checks, but failing to declare it will bring integrity into question. Of course, if you declare something and it is not relevant, this will not affect your application and the vetting team will discount it. The same applies for family members, if you’re not sure whether it should be declared, then declare it anyway. The term “better safe than sorry” definitely applies. The primary reason people fail vetting is because they fail to declare relevant information.

There are some convictions that will lead to automatic failure of vetting. These include but are not limited to murder, firearms offences, domestic violence offences, any dishonesty related offence, for example fraud, and offences with a hate aggravation such as race. When it comes to the financial check, the rules are just as strict. If you have an outstanding County Court Judgment against you, or have been registered bankrupt and have not discharged your bankruptcy, you will not be considered until 3 years after the discharge of the debt. If you have a current individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), this has to be given careful consideration. Evidence may be required to show that you have maintained payments over a period of months.

It is also important to declare any other business interests, whether these are paid or voluntary. This allows checks to be done to ensure that they will not conflict with the role you have applied for. Having a historic caution or conviction does not mean your application will be automatically rejected, and every case is looked at individually. This means that factors such as your age at the time of the offence, any repeat offences and how long ago the offence took place will be taken into consideration.

We have many roles within the fields of policing and criminal justice - if you are looking for a job or looking to recruit, please contact us here or call us on 01772 208962.

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Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance? (2024)

FAQs

Police Vetting - What is it, What is Considered and Will I Get Clearance? ›

Vetting is the process by where you disclose any information that may affect your suitability to become a police officer. It is essential to provide thorough and precise information, as this will then be reviewed by the force you are applying to.

What would fail a vetting? ›

You'll also most likely be declined vetting clearance if any of the following apply to you: You've committed offences where vulnerable people were targeted. You've committed offences motivated by hate or discrimination. You've committed offences of domestic abuse.

What is an example of a vetting process? ›

A background review is an example of a vetting process for a potential employee. Once the vetting process is concluded, a well-informed hiring decision can be made. Managers, investors, and analysts use such a process to identify worthwhile investments through a process known as due diligence.

How long is the vetting process? ›

Once a vetting file has been started, provided the vetting forms have been completed fully and accurately, vetting checks may be completed within a few days. However, where checks have to be completed in other police force areas, agencies or in other countries, there can be a delay of several weeks or months.

What is the application vetting process? ›

An app vetting process comprises app testing and app approval/rejection activities. The process of verifying that an app meets an organization's security requirements.

What questions are asked during vetting? ›

  • During the vetting process, it's important to ask a variety of questions that help you get to know the person you are vetting and assess their suitability for the job. ...
  • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? ...
  • Why do you think you are the right fit for this job? ...
  • What interests you about this job?
May 25, 2023

What is a negative vetting? ›

Negative vetting – An evaluation process used when obtaining certain security clearances that relies on the absence of information to the contrary in order to assess the subject's suitability for that security clearance. OAIC – Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

What is vetting requirements? ›

Generally, vetting is the process of investigating a candidate's background and qualifications before their employment with a company. The vetting process is a good way to ensure an employee is an excellent match for a job and delves deeper into the candidate's background.

What are the criteria for vetting? ›

The vetting process for employment includes a series of tasks, such as: Confirming employment history. Authenticating credentials/certifications. Screening social media profiles.

How do I prepare for a vetting interview? ›

Tips for passing the vetting process

Tailor your application. Create your resume, CV or cover letter to match what the job description is asking for. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience that reflects what the employer is looking for right away.

What is the 5 stage vetting? ›

5 Stage Vetting

This is the methodical examination of the horse to assess general appearance and condition. It includes examination of the teeth, the resting heart, the eyes, the skin, the limbs and feet, and flexion of the limb joints to reveal pain or limitation of movement.

What to expect in a vetting interview? ›

The interview will cover most areas of your life. The vetting officer will build up as complete a picture of you as is possible. We have to consider your loyalty, honesty and reliability, and whether you could be more at risk of bribery or blackmail than others.

How long does it take to get positive vetting? ›

Negative Vetting 2 – 100 business days. Positive Vetting – 180 business days.

How do I check my vetting status? ›

Simply enter your application id and your date of birth to retrieve the latest status of your application.

What happens in security vetting? ›

The aim of security vetting is to ensure that the character and personal circ*mstances of an individual are such that he or she can be trusted with sensitive Government information or assets.

Why is the vetting process important? ›

The vetting process is essential for ensuring that the organization hires the right candidate for the job and avoids any potential legal or ethical issues. Understanding the vetting process is critical for organizations to make informed hiring decisions.

What does security vetting check? ›

Completion of BPSS. A full security questionnaire. Checks on criminal records, credit and financial history, and Security Service records. A review of work history, including personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records.

What is positive vetting and negative vetting? ›

Negative Vetting Level 1 NV1 Classified resources up and including SECRET. Negative Vetting Level 2 NV2 Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET. Positive Vetting (PV) Classified resources up to and including TOP SECRET, including caveated and code word information.

What would you gain during the vetting inspection? ›

Positive vetting outcomes can enable shipowners to get better charters and for charterers to use safer vessels, to avoid safety and environmental issues from cargo transport.

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