The Metropolitan Police has been accused of relaxing its vetting process to meet recruitment targets, sparking claims of a 'dereliction of duty'. According to Sky News, the force introduced new procedures to speed up the recruitment process, which included reducing the number of references required for new recruits. This decision was made in 2022, when the Met struggled to meet its recruitment targets, with a shortfall of over 1,000 officers.
The vetting process is designed to ensure that new recruits are suitable for the role and do not pose a risk to the public or the police. However, by relaxing these procedures, the Met may have compromised the safety and integrity of its personnel. The decision has sparked concerns among senior police officers and politicians, who argue that the Met has prioritised recruitment numbers over officer safety and vetting standards.
It is understood that the Met's decision to relax vetting was made in response to the force's recruitment struggles in 2022, when it fell short of its target by over 1,000 officers. This shortfall has had a significant impact on police resources and has put additional pressure on existing officers.
Sky News understands that the Met has now reversed its decision and is returning to its previous vetting procedures. However, the controversy surrounding the decision has raised questions about the force's priorities and its commitment to officer safety.