House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update on actions to improve police standards and culture
25 January 2024 · Home Office
Proposed by Chris Philp Con Croydon South
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government has committed funding for an automated continuous vetting system for police officers.
- Legislation will require officers to hold and maintain vetting clearance as a statutory requirement.
- A new Code of Ethics and enhancements to misconduct hearing processes have been launched to improve police standards.
Issue summary
The statement provides an update on actions taken by the Home Office and partners to improve police standards and culture.
Action requested
The Government has committed funding for an automated continuous vetting system, legislating a statutory requirement for officers to hold and maintain vetting clearance, enhancing misconduct hearing processes, and launching a new Code of Ethics. These measures aim to ensure professional integrity and public trust in policing. The NPCC's datawashing exercise concluded with minimal adverse findings.
Key facts
- Last year’s Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS590) outlined actions for improving police standards.
- On 22 January, the NPCC published outcomes of a ‘datawashing’ exercise involving checks on 307,452 officers and staff.
- Over 99% of cases showed no new adverse information; only 461 cases were referred to decision-making processes.
- The Government will provide further funding for an automated continuous vetting system.
- Legislation is being introduced to require officers to hold vetting clearance or face dismissal proceedings.
- A new inspection methodology by HMICFRS, forming a new Integrity Programme, is due to commence in the new financial year.
- The College of Policing launched a new Code of Ethics on 24 January.