Following the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met police officer in 2021 and many other instances of criminal behaviour committed by serving UK police officers, it is the view of Eyes on Crime that there is a now a significant erosion of trust in policing in the eyes of the public.
In the context of core “Peelian” principles, policing in the UK is undertaken by public consent and that consent can only exist in a climate where policing standards can demonstrably be shown be ethically sound.
Recent papers into UK (Met) policing standards such as the Casey Report (2023) and the Angiolini Inquiry Report (Part 1) (2024) show that policing standards and accountability needs massive improvement, and this should initially start with improved vetting. Incidents of misconduct, abuse of power, and even criminal behaviour among police officers have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of current vetting processes.
In the case of Wayne Couzens, the officer who murdered Sarah Everard, the Angielini report identified that Couzens should never have been a police officer and three separate forces “could and should have” stopped him. Couzens was reported to police eight times for indecent exposure before Sarah Everard’s murder, the report found. Police repeatedly failed to spot warning signs about Couzens’ unsuitability for office, his alleged sexual offending and his “often poorly and chaotically managed personal debt” over many years were red flags.
To address these issues and uphold the integrity of UK policing, Eyes on Crime assess that it is imperative to implement enhanced vetting procedures for prospective officers before they join the force, as well as regular career vetting for those already in service
How would the public trust in UK policing standards in 2024?
There is less trust in UK policing today then previously.
There is more trust in UK policing today then previously.
The levels of trust in UK policing remains about the same.
The Case For Improved Police Vetting
1. Upholding Public Trust:
Enhanced vetting procedures instil confidence among the public by ensuring that only individuals with high ethical standards and integrity are entrusted with upholding the law.
2. Preventing Misconduct:
Thorough background checks can help identify red flags such as criminal records, associations with extremist groups, or past instances of misconduct, thereby reducing the risk of future infractions.
3. Protecting Vulnerable Communities:
Vetting procedures should include assessments of candidates' attitudes towards diversity, inclusion, and engaging with vulnerable populations to safeguard against discrimination or abuse of power.
4. Enhancing Professionalism:
By screening for relevant qualifications, skills, and psychological fitness, vetting processes can ensure that police officers possess the necessary competencies to perform their duties effectively and ethically.
5. Deterring Corruption:
Stringent vetting measures, including financial checks and lifestyle assessments, can help deter individuals with potential vulnerabilities to corruption or undue influence.
How Could these Improvements Happen?
6. Comprehensive Background Checks:
Vetting should encompass rigorous checks of candidates' criminal records, employment history, financial status, and personal associations to identify any potential risks.
7. Psychological Assessment:
Psychological evaluations should be conducted to assess candidates' suitability for the demands and stresses of police work, as well as their emotional stability and ability to make sound judgments.
8. Ethical Standards:
Candidates should undergo assessments of their ethical principles, values, and attitudes towards integrity, honesty, and respect for human rights.
9. Continuous Training and Evaluation:
Regular training and performance evaluations should be implemented throughout an officer's career to reinforce ethical conduct, address any emerging issues, and promote professional development.
10. Accountability Mechanisms:
Transparency and accountability should be embedded within vetting processes, with clear protocols for reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct or breaches of trust.
In Conclusion
Enhanced vetting of police officers, both before they join UK policing and throughout their policing careers, is essential for upholding the principles of accountability, integrity, and public trust in law enforcement. By addressing key areas for improvement in vetting procedures, authorities can mitigate the risks of misconduct, enhance professionalism, and foster greater confidence in the police force. It is not only a matter of ensuring the safety and security of communities but also of upholding the fundamental values of justice and equality upon which our society is built.
Ken Kirwan: Eyes on Crime Editor
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