Force faces having to reinstate officers and staff removed after their vetting status was withdrawn. The Metropolitan police have lost a high court case over whether they can oust officers and staff deemed unsuitable through enhanced vetting procedures. Scotland Yard had used the scheme, which effectively dismisses officers by removing their vetting clearance, to get rid of scores staff – some of whom had faced allegations of sexual assault.
It was launched after a series of scandals which had sapped public confidence, including the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by serving Met officer Wayne Couzens in 2021. But judges have ruled against the force after a challenge by the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers. The Met commissioner, Mark Rowley, who has publicly vowed to clean up the force, has been left furious by the judgment and will consider an appeal. Rowley believes the process is a vital part of the effort to root out bad or suspect officers.
The Met now has to reinstate those removed from the force after their vetting status was withdrawn, and those who left could be eligible for back pay. Under the scheme, if the Met received adverse information about an officer or staff member, their vetting would be reviewed. Vetting essentially clears them to access sensitive information and work in sensitive roles. If vetting approval is withdrawn, the staff member attends a gross incompetence hearing and can be dismissed.
