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Sussex Police Federation

Sussex Police Federation airs concerns over vetting changes

7 January 2025

 

Changes to vetting rules are likely to leave officers open to vexatious complaints, Sussex Police Federation has warned.

Sussex Police Federation has expressed concerns that recent changes to vetting rules could expose officers to vexatious complaints and undermine their careers.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently announced reforms to police accountability, including placing vetting standards on a statutory footing. While the new vetting authorised professional practice (APP), introduced by the College of Policing, aims to bring national consistency and higher standards, concerns have been raised about the speed of implementation and the lack of consultation with officers’ representatives.

Raffaele Cioffi, Chair of Sussex Police Federation, criticized the lack of engagement with the Federation, stating: “It is disappointing that the College of Policing has not engaged meaningfully with the Federation, the primary organization representing rank-and-file officers. The minimal consultation on these significant change’s risks undermining confidence in the process.

“We fully support evidence-based assessment and improved vetting standards. However, the current approach feels rushed and lacks the robust testing required to ensure fairness. Decisions about an individual’s career must be based on reliable, thoroughly vetted information.”

Raffaele warned that revoking an officer’s vetting status effectively ends their policing career, emphasizing the need for clear checks and balances: “Once someone’s vetting is removed, their career is over. It is vital that the evidence used in these decisions is rigorously tested. Without this, officers could fall victim to unsubstantiated claims. While criminal and gross misconduct procedures include safeguards, it’s unclear how vetting managers are ensuring similar protections.”

The Federation has pledged to explore legal options to safeguard members’ rights and ensure fairness in these critical processes. Raffaele added: “We must protect officers from unfair treatment. Vetting decisions should reflect robust, evidence-based practices that are transparent and accountable. The Federation will continue to push for these reforms to be implemented with fairness at their core and this will have to be done in legislation rather than APP.”