Overview
- An internal Metropolitan Police review of 2013–2023 found systemic departures from standard vetting, including at least 5,073 officers and staff not properly vetted and 3,338 who received only limited renewal checks.
- A 2019 panel set up to address disproportionate vetting rejections re‑examined 505 cases and overturned 114 refusals, with 25 of those later involved in crimes or misconduct.
- The review cites “police‑perpetrated harm” and says public trust was damaged, with no individual decision‑maker publicly held personally accountable so far.
- One officer admitted after an overturned refusal, Cliff Mitchell, was later convicted of 13 rapes against two victims, including a child, after initially failing vetting.
- The panel has been disbanded and Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has removed or sacked more than 1,500 officers and staff deemed unfit to serve.