That the police don't vet their officers

[OneTC]

And if not, why not?

www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-64289461

So it’s more like 1000 out of 30000 male officers/staff.

3%.

@Streamside

V good point, agree.

And they do have so much power.

One wonders if it's just women they abuse, could they get close to children?

I've had dealings with the IPCC (precursor to the iopc) and all the people I dealt with were former police.

OMG12

"But allegations are just that- allegations"

This attitude is part of the problem. 9 previous reports from completely different people, about one police officer, and similar incidents, should absolutely not be seen as "just allegations ".

Was a long recent thread on here, about someone (young woman) who failed police vetting, couldn't join.

In your vast experience?

This report is shocking and deeply disturbing.
I know of several women married to police officers and they all suffered domestic violence. . These men made it very difficult for their partners to leave because they believe they are above the law and untouchable.

These blanket, generalised statements about the Police are untrue and unfair. This isn’t a Police problem. It’s a societal problem. The NHS has had some real issues with sex offenders in the ranks but that doesn’t generate half as much comment unfortunately.

This has literally put me off ever moving to the met area. Its absolutely horrific. Mixed feelings about the forces in different areas I have lived but the culture seems horrendous

@OneTC - honestly, do you think they did a good job? IOPC has a mixed reputation. And they will come from this toxic culture.

They need to revise the terms and conditions for dismissal. Complaints can be vexatious of course but the cases that are coming to light in the press are officers with many complaints. They were not challenged.

Abuse anywhere is awful but you are missing the huge power disparity between the police and public. The police have extraordinary powers over individual members of the public.

Also well it’s terrible over there too is not an excuse not to talk about it.

No I found my experience with them pretty depressing. They didn't give the impression of being truly independent either.

I was btw a witness to a fairly well publicised assault by an officer on a woman and had to give a statement to the IPCC initially

I’m not missing anything at all. I am merely pointing out that there is a real anti-Police agenda in some quarters and it’s not warranted.

@Greenshake It’s not warranted?! Do you honestly think there is not an issue with the culture in policing?

That’s not what I said at all. There is a culture of misogyny that persists amongst some men, but there is much work being done in the Police to counter this.

@Flapjackquack - that disparity in power is growing. The police have had an enjoyable number of years being given more power than ever by governments. They look now like a pseudo paramilitary force. They have more power than ever to use tasers, restraint, bespoke offences for them, negatory public accountability.

It is forgotten that they need regulating like anyone else. PACE exists for a reason. It exists because of abuse by officers. That was 40 years ago. They need intense personal vetting on each and every promotion.

You probably have, it’s not surprising I’ve quoted on another police thread, I’m sorry I didn’t allow myself to be shut down because I didn’t agree with all the police hate. I would say the vast majority of officers are amazing people. Yes there are issues. But no where near the issues there are with the NHS for example.

@OMG12 exactly my point. Thank you.

Well I can’t really say about the Met - but that’s 98% of officers that aren’t subject to such accusations. That’s not excusing the 2%.

I find the level of hatred for police on MN quite perplexing given the shit they have to deal with to stop you having to deal with it. Maybe some of the people criticising could volunteer as specials and help change the situation.

I have just read that Commons link.

I did not know the officers can appeal a vetting decision. That is an absolute piss take compared to the standards that apply elsewhere in the public sector. No appeals given there.

Also, enough with "words of advice", ignoring dodgy family connections or not obtaining a full employment history.

That isn't any kind of vetting. There are people all across the public sector who have do reach a higher standard. In fact it's hard for me to think of anyone given the power and responsibility.

No wonder we have so many bad police.

There are bad apples and criminals in every job. You cannot legally dismiss people based on rumours and unsubstantiated allegations. Sadly, that means that it takes time and robust evidence before you can act.

The vast majority of police do a difficult and dangerous job for way too little pay and little thanks. I don’t think any sensible, grown up individual wouldn’t rely on the police if they needed them.

I don’t know where you got that quote from it wasn’t me

There is. Every 5 years in most forces
And mostly by professional standards depts, set aside from regular policing. (The Line of duty bods 😁)
It's intrusive

With an appeal if you fail? Seriously, it's a lower standard than someone failing base clearance. Outrageous.

@OMG12 - legitimate criticism of the police is not “police hate”. You can try and deflect criticism of the police being racist, misogynistic and homophobic onto the NHS all you like, but it won’t take hide that the police attract and protect predators. Those that don’t join in the rampant sexism and racism are complicit in turning a blind eye. I’ve heard police officers just shrug it off, “oh that’s X he is just a dick” because they know no one cares if they bothered to complain.
When I stop hearing stories in the press of police officers kidnapping and murdering women, forcing school girls to be strip searched, beating their wives who know they have nowhere to turn. When those in charge of the police stop paying lip service to all these reports that call out the corruption and insidious culture of the police and start actually doing something about it. Maybe then I will think about starting to trust the police.

The police’s reputation is in tatters and people like you blindly defending them and refusing to acknowledge anything is wrong are dragging it down even further.