What is vetting?
The process to assess suitability, trustworthiness and reliability which enables an individual to work in policing.
Vetting misconceptions
✗ Vetting is the same as a DBS check
✓ Vetting is much broader and includes more checks
✗ Only the applicant is assessed
✓ Close associates are considered as well as the applicant
✗ Social media doesn’t matter
✓ Social media is increasingly important and all accounts are assessed
✗ It’s a checklist and everyone is treated the same
✓ It’s a risk-based professional judgement process that is different for each case
✗ Vetting is about finding faults and punishing applicants
✓ Vetting is about preventing risk, not punishing past behaviour
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal records (cautions, convictions, etc.), financial checks (debt, insolvency), family and partner background, social media and online presence, personal disclosures.
Any cautions, convictions, penalty notices, any experience with police (as victim, witness or suspect), any financial issues, previous vetting refusals, details of any association’s involvement in criminality.
Each vetting case varies. It is often the part of pre-employment checks that takes the longest due to the complexity of checks conducted.
Yes, you must declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are spent.
Vetting is reviewed multiple times during the lifetime of a clearance for changes in role and changes in circumstances. Vetting can also be upgraded for certain roles. Reviews and upgrades require a renewal of all vetting checks.
Without all of the required information, we will be unable to conduct the necessary checks and risk assessment which would impact your eligibility for vetting clearance and a role with Staffordshire Police.
What should I do before I apply?
- Review all social media profiles. Delete any posts that do not align with the standards of professional behaviour. Deactivate any accounts you no longer use. Review privacy settings on all accounts.
- Conduct your own free credit check. Ensure you are aware of all credit accounts and that you have not missed any payments. If you have debt, take measures to improve your financial situation prior to applying.
- Be mindful of associations and lifestyle choices. If you wish to become a Police Officer, act with the standards of professional behaviour at all times.
- Gather key information in advance such as previous addresses, details of all family members, their addresses and occupations.
Top tips
- Be open and honest. Declare everything even if you think it may not be relevant.
- Ask your recruitment officer if you have questions that you wish to be referred to the Vetting Unit.
- Research the standards of professional behaviour for Police Officers and the code of ethics that underpins policing.
- If you are successful at interview, you will then be issued with the link for the vetting form. Read each section carefully when completing the form but ensure the form is submitted as soon as possible to avoid vetting delays.
- Be prepared to explain any declarations made. The vetting process may feel intrusive but it is vital all declared information is fully understood in order for any risk to be effectively assessed.