Police face tougher vetting after case of serial rapist David Carrick exposed gaps

David Carrick passed Metropolitan Police vetting twice despite numerous known incidents against women

Police officers are to face tougher vetting checks after shocking gaps in processes allowed serial rapist David Carrick to remain in service for almost two decades.

A consultation has opened on new requirements to re-vet officers after misconduct cases and “mitigate any risks” that are flagged but are not severe enough to stop someone from joining a force.

Anyone unable to hold the most basic level of vetting clearance “should be dismissed from policing”, the College of Policing said, while those with higher levels of checks could be demoted.