Police officers who fail vetting to be automatically sacked under new rules

Measures will be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday which will make it a legal requirement for serving officers to pass vetting procedures.

It will also mean police chiefs given will be able to get rid of officers unfit to serve from next month.

The move comes after head of the Metropolitan Police Sir Mark Rowley accused officials of dragging their feet on giving police chiefs stronger powers to sack rogue officers.

He previously said it is “absurd” that officers who are not fit to hold vetting cannot be lawfully sacked.

The Home Office said the changes follow recent legal challenges which have “brought to light” the difficulty forces can have removing officers who are not fit to protect the public.

In February, a Metropolitan Police officer accused of sexual offences, Sergeant Lino Di Maria successfully mounted a legal challenge after having his vetting removed over the allegations, which he denies.

He was found to have no case to answer in respect of misconduct allegations, and argued that having his vetting removed without the accusations being proved is a breach of his right to a fair trial.

The force confirmed that it had now been granted leave to appeal against the High Court judgment on Thu...
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