<p>Police vetting is already underpinned by a statutory code of practice which is issued by the College of Policing. Forces are required to carry out their vetting in line with the statutory code as well as the College of Policing’s vetting authorised professional practice (APP) guidance on vetting.</p><p>The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire and the Home Secretary have regular discussions with the College of Policing. Following concerns raised by a number of high-profile cases of police misconduct and by the government-commissioned inspection into vetting by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the Home Secretary recently asked the College to update their statutory code of practice on vetting which will provide stricter obligations on Chief Officers on how vetting should be carried out within their forces.</p><p>The public consultation for the updated vetting code closed on 21<sup>st</sup> March 2023 and will be effective immediately once laid in Parliament following consideration of any feedback.</p>