NPCC responds to HMICFRS report: an inspection of vetting, misconduct and misogyny in the police service

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt, said:

“His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection agreed with 90 per cent of the vetting decisions made by police forces and found 80 per cent of misconduct investigations were effective.  But they also identified some flawed processes and questionable or wrong decisions, which allow the wrong people to enter or stay in policing and do harm to their colleagues or the public

“Chief constables, supported by national bodies, will act on these recommendations and put the problems right because we cannot risk predatory or discriminatory individuals slipping through the net because of flawed processes and decision-making. 

“The confidence of the public and our staff is dependent on us fixing these problems with urgency, fully and for the long term.  Police chiefs are determined to do that.

“A number of changes and actions are already underway to improve standards in vetting, misconduct and counter-corruption and ensure those standards are consistently followed. These recommendations will be addressed in full and included in ongoing activity where appropriate.”