Police chiefs in the UK will soon have the authority to automatically dismiss officers who fail background checks, under new regulations aimed at restoring public trust in policing. The reforms, set to take effect in May 2025, make passing vetting procedures a legal requirement for all serving officers. Prompted by high-profile misconduct cases and the murder of Sarah Everard, the changes close a legal loophole that previously allowed unfit officers to remain employed. Officials say the measures will ensure only those meeting the highest standards can serve, while critics highlight the need for fair dismissal processes.
