Police recruits with links to domestic abuse and sex offenders ‘still being appointed’

England and Wales watchdog says vetting processes inadequate in 13 cases over two-month period, despite overhaul

Police officers with links to organised crime, sex offenders and domestic abuse have made it through vetting procedures in recent months despite an overhaul of the process in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard, according to the police watchdog for England and Wales.

In a letter to the home secretary, Suella Braverman, HM inspector of constabulary, Matt Parr, said an examination of vetting files over two months found concerns about multiple new recruits.

An officer with a history of domestic abuse against multiple partners.

An officer with a connection to a criminal gang.

An officer who had a family member who was a registered sex offender.

An officer who had a family member who had been jailed for drug dealing.