Police recruits found to cheat on their partners should be 'dangerous red flag'

15 March 2022, 09:19

The vetting process during recruitment is being reviewed.
The vetting process during recruitment is being reviewed. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Police recruits who cheat on their partners should be flagged during the vetting process, the director-general of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Michael Lockwood said police needed to crack down on the toxic culture across its forces, getting rid of the "baddies".

He added that vetting should be "more intrusive and diligent", including social media and background checks on those hoping to join a force.

The move is more important now than ever due to the increasing number of officers, the watchdog head went on to say.

Speaking to The Times, Mr Lockwood explained: "Many individuals are attracted to policing because of the power. Many of the people that are getting in can exhibit what I call 'red flags'.

"And it's important that where there are previous disciplinary issues — prior sexual behaviour, even extramarital affairs — those red flags should indicate, don't progress. They're dangerous."

Read more: Over 43,000 Brits sign up to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes

Read more: Putin's 'lying to you': Zelenskyy praises editor for anti-war protest on Russian state TV

DAC Bas Javid speaks to LBC in wake of IOPC report

However, he added that an extramarital affair as a single factor would not block recruitment, but it should be considered and was an indicator of "something that's not right".

Mr Lockwood went on to say that there needed to be a "zero tolerance" attitude towards behaviour and standards from the moment new recruits join the force.

He said better supervision and leadership was needed, adding that officers should be encouraged to call out colleagues who breach standards.

"Silence is not acceptable," Mr Lockwood said.

"There's clearly pockets of culture that you stick together, 'don't snitch on us, if you do you're a grass, your career is finished'.

"We're not going to solve the problem if it's allowed to pervade and spread."

It comes as Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary is carrying out a review of the vetting process in a bid to root out those who do not meet the standards.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Heathrow will expand two terminals ahead of a third runway.

Heathrow to expand two terminals in multibillion-pound investment ahead of controversial third runway

Donald Trump has ordered the release of the last classified files surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Thursday, vowing that ‘everything will be revealed’.

'Two shooters' involved in JFK assassination, claims task force head - as FBI reveals thousands of secret files

A large police presence remains in place

Police continue 'challenging' negotiations with 'armed' man in Sheffield apartment block

People continue their daily life under difficult conditions at Jabalia Refugee Camp, located in the north of the Gaza Strip, as they struggle to survive among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli attacks

Gazan family allowed to settle in UK under Ukrainian scheme - as Home Office warns of 'floodgates opening'

John Tuckett

Labour's new borders watchdog 'to work from home in Finland', 1,200 miles from London

President Donald Trump speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump doubles down on pledge to 'take over Gaza', as Netanyahu threatens return to war if Israeli hostages not freed

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, during a visit to a mother and baby unit inside HMP Styal in Wilmslow

Kate met with wolf-whistles and cries for 'more funding' as she visits women's prison

Domestic cat balancing on garden fence, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Police hunt mystery cat coiffeur after felines in rural Lincolnshire village return home missing patches of fur

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Liam Payne 'smoked heroin and sexted fans': Bombshell revelations as ex-fiancee breaks silence on star's death

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has said Yvette Cooper will 'make sure' vetting of Metropolitan Police officers is 'overhauled'

Home secretary will ensure 'overhaul' of Met vetting process following controversial High Court ruling, Phillipson says

Exclusive
James Cleverly

James Cleverly slams 'Orwellian' assisted dying bill as High Court judge sign-off to be scrapped

The Church of England's governing body has voted against a fully independent safeguarding body

Church of England vote 'a punch in the gut for victims' as Synod rejects independent safeguarding

Oliver Ryan and Andrew Gwynne have been suspended

Eleven Labour councillors suspended for being part of offensive WhatsApp group after two MPs also punished

A major travel agent has urged families to go on holiday during Easter rather than the summer

Save thousands by going on holiday at Easter instead of summer, British families told

Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to tear up the ceasefire deal

Netanyahu’s ultimatum to Hamas: Return hostages by Saturday deadline or ceasefire gives way to 'intense fighting'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were in attendance at Denis Law's funeral

Stars pay final respects to Denis Law as Manchester United legend laid to rest