SI 2026/653 - The Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. This Statutory Instrument has been made in part in consequence of defects in S.I. 2025/502 and S.I. 2025/558 and is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of those Statutory Instruments. STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 2026 No. 653 POLICE, ENGLAND The Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 Made - - - - 16th June 2026 Laid before Parliament 22nd June 2026 Coming into force - - 13th July 2026 The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 50(1), (2)(b), (e) and (f), (4) and (7) and 51(1), (2)(a), (ba) and (c), (3A) and (4) of the Police Act 1996(1). In accordance with sections 50(2ZC) and 51(2ZD) of the Police Act 1996, and insofar as these Regulations relate to the matters mentioned in sections 50(2)(b) and 51(2ZB)(b) respectively, the text of these Regulations has been approved by the College of Policing(2). In accordance with section 63(3)(a) of the Police Act 1996(3), the Secretary of State has supplied a draft of these Regulations to the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales and has taken into consideration the representations made by that Board before making these Regulations. Part 1 Introductory Citation, commencement and extent 1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 13th July 2026. (1) 1996 c. 16. Section 50(4) was amended by paragraph 3(3) of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4). Section 51(3A) was inserted by section 128(1) of the Police Act 1997 (c. 50). (2) Section 50(2ZC) was inserted by section 123(1) of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12) (“the 2014 Act”) and amended by section 48(6) of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3). Section 51(2ZB) and (2ZD) was inserted by section 123(2) of the 2014 Act. Section 123 of the 2014 Act was the subject of a correction slip published on 4th August 2014. (3) Section 63(3)(a) was substituted by paragraph 78(3) of Schedule 4 to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15) and amended by paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, section 10(3)(b) of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26) and sections 123(4) and 133(2) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. There are other amendments to section 63 but none are relevant.Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales. Part 2 Amendment of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 Amendment of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 2. The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020(4) are amended in accordance with regulations 3 to 8. Amendment of regulation 2 (interpretation and delegation) 3.—(1) Regulation 2 is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph (1)— (a) after the definition of “document” insert— ““domestic abuse assessment” has the meaning given in regulation 11E(4);”; (b) after the definition of “relevant lawyer” insert— ““relevant offence” has the meaning given in regulation 11C(5);”; (c) after the definition of “Standards of Professional Behaviour” insert— ““suspend” means suspend from the office of constable and, in the case of a member of a police force, from membership of the force; and a reference to a police officer who is, or (as the case may be) is not, already suspended is a reference to a police officer who is, or is not, already suspended under these Regulations or the Vetting Regulations; “suspension condition” has the meaning given in regulation 11(1)(a);”. (3) For paragraph (4) substitute— “(4) Where the appropriate authority delegates its functions under regulation 11, 11A or 49, the following decisions must, subject to paragraph (4ZA), be authorised by a senior officer— (a) a decision under regulation 11 or 11A as to whether the suspension condition is met; (b) a decision under regulation 49 as to whether to certify a case as one where the special conditions are satisfied. (4ZA) Where the appropriate authority delegates its functions under regulation 11 or 11A, and the case is one to which regulation 11C applies, a decision under regulation 11 or 11A that the suspension condition is not met must be authorised by— (a) where the police force concerned is the metropolitan police force, an officer of at least the rank of assistant commissioner; (b) in any other case, a chief officer of police(5).”. Amendment of regulation 9 (provision of notices or documents) 4. In regulation 9(4), for sub-paragraph (b) substitute— (4) S.I. 2020/4, as amended by S.I. 2022/505, 2024/521 and 2025/558. (5) For the meaning of “chief officer of police”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. 2Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. “(b) in any other case, on the next working day after the day referred to in sub- paragraph (a).”. Substitution of regulation 11 (suspension) 5. For regulation 11 substitute— “Duty to suspend where suspension condition met 11.—(1) The appropriate authority must suspend the officer concerned under this regulation if— (a) the appropriate authority is satisfied that the condition in paragraph (4) (the “suspension condition”) is met, and (b) the officer is not already suspended. (2) An officer who is suspended under this regulation remains a police officer for the purposes of these Regulations and the Vetting Regulations. (3) Suspension under this regulation must be with pay. (4) The suspension condition is that— (a) the effective investigation of the case may be prejudiced unless the officer concerned is suspended, or (b) the public interest otherwise requires that the officer should be suspended. (5) When deciding if the suspension condition is met, the appropriate authority must consider whether temporary redeployment to alternative duties or an alternative location is an appropriate alternative to suspension in all the circumstances of the case. (6) Suspension under this regulation is effective from the date and time of notification, which must be given to the officer concerned either— (a) in writing with a summary of the reasons, or (b) orally, in which case the appropriate authority must confirm the suspension in writing with a summary of the reasons before the end of the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the suspension. (7) Suspension under this regulation must continue until whichever of the following occurs first— (a) the appropriate authority is no longer satisfied, following a review under regulation 11A, that the suspension condition is met; (b) it is decided that the officer has no case to answer in respect of misconduct or gross misconduct or it is decided that the officer has a case to answer but that the conduct of the officer should not be referred to misconduct proceedings or an accelerated misconduct hearing; (c) such proceedings have concluded; (d) regulation 11F(2)(a) or 11G(2) applies (with the result that suspension continues under regulation 11F or 11G respectively). (8) In a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act (directed and independent investigations) applies, the appropriate authority must consult with the Director General before deciding for the purposes of this regulation whether the suspension condition is met. 3Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Review of suspension under regulation 11 11A.—(1) The officer concerned, or the officer's police friend, may make representations against suspension under regulation 11 to the appropriate authority— (a) before the end of the period of seven working days beginning with the first working day after the officer is suspended; (b) at any time during the suspension if the officer reasonably believes that circumstances relevant to the suspension condition have changed. (2) The appropriate authority must review whether the suspension condition is met— (a) on receipt of any representations under paragraph (1); (b) if there has been no previous review, before the end of the period of 12 weeks beginning with the first working day after the suspension; (c) in any other case— (i)when it becomes aware that circumstances relevant to the suspension condition may have changed (otherwise than by means of representations made under paragraph (1)); (ii)before the end of the period of 12 weeks beginning with the first working day after the previous review. (3) Where, following a review, the appropriate authority remains satisfied that the suspension condition is met, it must, before the end of the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the review, so notify the officer concerned in writing with a summary of the reasons. (4) In a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act applies, the appropriate authority must consult with the Director General before deciding for the purposes of this regulation whether the suspension condition is met. Regulation 11 supplementary: officer investigated in relation to a criminal offence 11B.—(1) This regulation applies where— (a) the officer concerned is the subject of a criminal investigation, and (b) it has been assessed under regulation 14 of these Regulations or regulation 16 or 19 of the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations(6) that the conduct of the officer, if proved, would amount to gross misconduct. (2) Unless the officer concerned is already suspended, the appropriate authority must decide whether the suspension condition is met within the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after— (a) where the assessment was carried out under regulation 14 of these Regulations, the conditions in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are both met; (b) where the assessment was carried out under regulation 16 or 19 of the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations, it comes to the attention of the appropriate authority that the conditions in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are both met. (3) In this regulation, “criminal investigation” means an investigation which police officers or other persons have a duty to conduct with a view to it being ascertained whether a person should be charged with an offence. (6) S.I. 2020/2. Regulation 19 was amended by S.I. 2025/558. 4Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Regulations 11 and 11A supplementary: officer arrested or questioned under caution in relation to a relevant offence 11C.—(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned is— (a) arrested in relation to a relevant offence, or (b) in a case to which section 29 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984(7) (voluntary attendance at police station etc.) applies, questioned under caution in relation to a relevant offence. (2) Regulation 11 is supplemented by the following provisions— (a) unless the officer concerned is already suspended, and subject to paragraph (3), the appropriate authority must decide whether the suspension condition is met within the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the day on which the event mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) comes to the attention of the appropriate authority; (b) the public interest requires suspension unless there are exceptional circumstances; (c) if the appropriate authority decides that the suspension condition is not met, it must proceed under regulation 11D, unless the appropriate authority is the Common Council(8). (3) Where a decision that the suspension condition is not met must be authorised by an officer of at least the rank of assistant commissioner or (as the case may be) a chief officer of police in accordance with regulation 2(4ZA), the reference to “three working days” in paragraph (2)(a) is to be read as a reference to “eight working days”. (4) Regulation 11A is supplemented by the provision in paragraph (2)(b). (5) In this regulation, “relevant offence” means— (a) an offence listed in Schedule 3 (“a listed offence”), or (b) an attempt or conspiracy to commit a listed offence. Decision not to suspend in regulation 11C cases: notification to senior authority 11D.—(1) If the appropriate authority is required by regulation 11C(2)(c) to proceed under this regulation, it must inform the specified person of its decision that the suspension condition is not met without delay. (2) The specified person is— (a) where the appropriate authority is the chief constable of a police force(9) for a police area(10), the police and crime commissioner(11) for that police area; (b) where the appropriate authority is a police and crime commissioner for a police area, the police and crime panel established for that police area under section 28(1) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011; (c) where the appropriate authority is the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis— (7) 1984 c. 60. There are amendments to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, but none are relevant. (8) For the meaning of “Common Council”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. The definition of “Common Council” was inserted into that Act by section 96(2)(a) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13). (9) For the meaning of “police force”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. The definition of “police force” was amended by section 96(2)(d) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. (10) For the meaning of “police area”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. (11) For the meaning of “police and crime commissioner”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. The definition of “police and crime commissioner” was inserted by section 96(2)(b) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. 5Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (i)if the officer concerned is the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime(12) and the Secretary of State; (ii)in any other case, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime; (d) where the appropriate authority is the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, the Secretary of State; (e) where the appropriate authority is the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, the Common Council. Regulations 11 and 11A supplementary: officer arrested or questioned under caution in relation to an offence involving domestic abuse 11E.—(1) This regulation applies where— (a) the officer concerned is— (i)arrested in relation to an offence which is not a relevant offence, or (ii)in a case to which section 29 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (voluntary attendance at police station etc.) applies, questioned under caution in relation to such an offence, and (b) the appropriate authority makes a domestic abuse assessment in relation to the alleged conduct of the officer (whether before or after the officer is arrested or questioned under caution). (2) Regulations 11C and 11D apply as if the offence were a relevant offence, subject to paragraph (3). (3) Regulation 11C is to be read as if for paragraph (2)(a) of that regulation there were substituted— “(a) unless the officer concerned is already suspended, and subject to paragraph (3), the appropriate authority must decide whether the suspension condition is met within the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the day on which— (i)the event mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) comes to the attention of the appropriate authority, or (ii)if later, the appropriate authority makes the domestic abuse assessment in relation to the officer’s alleged conduct;”. (4) In this regulation, “domestic abuse assessment” means an assessment that the conduct of the officer concerned would, if proved, amount to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021(13) (see section 1 of that Act). Automatic or mandatory suspension: officer charged with a relevant offence 11F.—(1) This regulation applies where the officer concerned is charged with a relevant offence. (2) Where, immediately before being charged, the officer concerned was already suspended under— (12) For the meaning of “the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. The definition of “the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime” was inserted by section 96(2)(a) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. (13) 2021 c. 17. 6Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (a) regulation 11, the suspension continues under this regulation with effect from the date and time of the charge; (b) regulation 11G, and the deadline for a review has not passed (see regulation 11H(1)), the suspension continues under this regulation with effect from the date and time of the charge; (c) the Vetting Regulations, the suspension continues under this regulation with effect from— (i)the date and time of the charge, or (ii)if later, the date and time that the allegation concerned comes to the attention of the appropriate authority. (3) In a case to which paragraph (2)(a), (b) or (c) applies, the appropriate authority must notify the officer concerned that their suspension is continuing under this regulation without delay and in any event before the end of the first working day after the suspension first continues under this regulation. (4) Where the officer concerned was not already suspended immediately before being charged— (a) if the officer was given a written notice in accordance with regulation 17(1) of these Regulations or regulation 17(1) of the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations before the day on which the officer is charged— (i)the officer is automatically suspended under this regulation with effect from the date and time that they are notified of the charge, and (ii)the appropriate authority must, without delay and in any event before the end of the first working day after the suspension, notify the officer that they are so suspended; (b) in any other case, the appropriate authority must, without delay and in any event before the end of the first working day after the officer is charged with the offence, suspend the officer with effect from the date and time of notification, which must be given in accordance with regulation 11(6)(a) or (b). (5) Paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 11 apply to suspension under this regulation as they apply to suspension under that regulation. (6) Suspension under this regulation must continue until the officer concerned ceases to be charged with a relevant offence as a result of criminal proceedings being discontinued or the officer being found not guilty. (7) In a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act applies, the appropriate authority must inform the Director General of any suspension or (as the case may be) continued suspension under this regulation without delay and in any event before the end of the first working day after the officer is suspended or (as the case may be) their suspension first continues under this regulation. Mandatory suspension: officer charged with an offence involving domestic abuse 11G.—(1) This regulation applies where— (a) the officer concerned is charged with an offence other than a relevant offence, and (b) the appropriate authority makes a domestic abuse assessment in relation to the alleged conduct of the officer (whether before or after the officer is charged). (2) Where the officer concerned was already suspended under regulation 11 or the Vetting Regulations immediately before being charged— 7Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (a) if the appropriate authority made the domestic abuse assessment before the officer is charged, the suspension continues under this regulation with effect from the date and time of the charge; (b) if the appropriate authority made the domestic abuse assessment after the officer is charged, the suspension continues under this regulation with effect from the date and time that the domestic abuse assessment was made. (3) In a case to which paragraph (2)(a) or (b) applies, the appropriate authority must— (a) notify the officer concerned that their suspension is continuing under this regulation without delay and in any event before the end of the first working day after the suspension first continues under this regulation, and (b) include within the notification— (i)a summary of the reasons for the domestic abuse assessment, and (ii)a statement of the right of review under regulation 11H. (4) Where the officer concerned was not already suspended immediately before being charged, the appropriate authority must suspend the officer with effect from the date and time of notification. (5) Notification under paragraph (4) must— (a) be given to the officer concerned in accordance with regulation 11(6)(a) or (b), (b) be given without delay and in any event— (i)if the appropriate authority made the domestic abuse assessment before the officer is charged, before the end of the first working day after the day on which the officer is charged; (ii)if the appropriate authority made the domestic abuse assessment after the officer is charged, before the end of the first working day after the day on which it made the domestic abuse assessment, and (c) include a statement of the right of review under regulation 11H. (6) Paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 11 apply to suspension under this regulation as they apply to suspension under that regulation. (7) Suspension under this regulation must continue until whichever of the following occurs first— (a) following a review under regulation 11H, the appropriate authority withdraws the domestic abuse assessment; (b) regulation 11F(2)(b) applies (in which case suspension continues under regulation 11F); (c) the officer concerned ceases to be charged with the offence as a result of criminal proceedings being discontinued or the officer being found not guilty; (d) one of the events mentioned in regulation 11(7)(b) or (c). (8) In a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act applies, the appropriate authority must consult with the Director General before making a domestic abuse assessment. Review of suspension under regulation 11G: offences involving domestic abuse 11H.—(1) The officer concerned, or the officer’s police friend, may make representations against the domestic abuse assessment to the appropriate authority before 8Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. the end of the period of seven working days beginning with the first working day after whichever of the following events occurs— (a) the officer’s suspension first continues under regulation 11G in accordance with paragraph (2) of that regulation; (b) the officer is suspended in accordance with regulation 11G(4). (2) The appropriate authority must review the domestic abuse assessment on receipt of any representations under paragraph (1). (3) Where, following a review under this regulation, the appropriate authority maintains its domestic abuse assessment, it must, before the end of the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the review, so notify the officer concerned in writing with a summary of the reasons. (4) In a case to which paragraph 18 or 19 of Schedule 3 to the 2002 Act applies, the appropriate authority must consult with the Director General before maintaining or withdrawing its domestic abuse assessment.”. Amendment of regulation 17 (written notices) 6. In regulation 17(1), insert after sub-paragraph (c)— “(ca) where relevant, that if, after the day on which the officer is given the written notice, the officer is charged with an offence listed in Schedule 3 in connection with the conduct that is the subject matter of the allegation, or with attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offence, the officer will be automatically suspended upon notification of the charge;”. Amendment of Schedule 1 (modifications to these Regulations in their application to former officers) 7.—(1) Schedule 1 is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph 1 (modification to regulation 2: interpretation and delegation)— (a) in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)— (i)after “disciplinary action,” insert “domestic abuse assessment,”; (ii)for “and reflective practice review process”” substitute “, “reflective practice review process”, “relevant offence, “suspend” and “suspension condition””; (b) in sub-paragraph (c), after “paragraphs” insert “(4ZA),”. (3) For paragraph 6 (omission of regulation 11: suspension) substitute— “Modification: omission of regulations 11 to 11H (suspension) 6. These Regulations are to be read as if regulations 11 to 11H were omitted.”. (4) In paragraph 11 (modification of regulation 17: written notices), in paragraph (a), for “sub- paragraph (d)” substitute “sub-paragraphs (ca) and (d)”. (5) After paragraph 41 (modification: omission of Part 6 (reflective practice review process)) insert— “Modification: omission of Schedule 3 (listed offences) 42. These Regulations are to be read as if Schedule 3 were omitted.”. 9Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Insertion of Schedule 3 (listed offences) 8. After Schedule 2, insert the Schedule set out in Schedule 1 to these Regulations. Part 3 Amendment of the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 Amendment of the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 9.—(1) The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020(14) are amended in accordance with this regulation. (2) In regulation 17 (special procedure: notification of severity assessment etc.), in paragraph (1), insert after sub-paragraph (c)— “(ca) where relevant, that if, after the day on which the officer is given the written notice, the officer is charged with an offence listed in Schedule 3 to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 in connection with the conduct that is the subject matter of the allegation, or with attempt or conspiracy to commit such an offence, the officer will be automatically suspended upon notification of the charge;”. (3) In regulation 51 (manner and time limit of notifications under these Regulations), in paragraph (1E)(15), for sub-paragraph (b) substitute— “(b) in any other case, on the next working day after the day referred to in sub- paragraph (a).”. Part 4 Amendment of the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 Amendment of the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 10. The Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025(16) are amended in accordance with regulations 11 to 22. Amendment of regulation 2 (interpretation) 11.—(1) In regulation 2(1)— (a) after the definition of “the Conduct Regulations” insert— ““criminal history check” means a check to ascertain, so far as reasonably practicable, whether a person has, or may have, committed a criminal offence, and includes a check of— (a) central records, within the meaning of section 112(3) of the Police Act 1997(17), and (b) the Police National Database;”; (b) after the definition of “line manager” insert— (14) S.I. 2020/2, as amended by S.I. 2025/558. (15) Paragraph (1E) was inserted by S.I. 2025/558. (16) S.I. 2025/502. (17) 1997 c. 50. Section 112(3) was amended by section 50(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4). 10Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. ““listed offence” means an offence listed in the Schedule;”; (c) after the definition of “the Performance Regulations” insert— ““police candidate” means a person seeking appointment to a police force, but does not include a police officer who is seeking to transfer from one police force to another;”; (d) for the definition of “police force concerned” substitute— ““police force concerned”, in relation to a police officer, means— (a) the police force of which the officer is a member, or (b) where the officer is a special constable, the police force maintained for the police area for which the officer is appointed;”; (e) after the definition of “police friend” insert— ““Police National Database” means the national information management system known by that name and used to share information between police forces and other persons operating in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland charged with the duty of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting offences;”; (f) after the definition of “relevant lawyer” insert— ““renew” is to be construed in accordance with regulation 5(2)(a); and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly; “renewal date”, in relation to a grant of vetting clearance, is the date on or before which the vetting authority which granted the vetting clearance must initiate the renewal process by sending to its holder an application for further vetting clearance;”; (g) after the definition of staff association insert— ““vetting application assessment” means a comprehensive and in-depth assessment by a vetting authority of a person’s (“P’s”) suitability to hold vetting clearance, following an application by P for vetting clearance, and includes— (a) a criminal history check in respect of P, (b) a check of the police barred list and the police advisory list in respect of P(18), and (c) such additional checks as will, so far as reasonably practicable— (i) provide a full picture of P’s financial history and conduct, as well as information about any close associations of P, and (ii) enable the vetting authority to consider any other matter which may reasonably affect P’s suitability to hold vetting clearance;”; (h) omit the definition of “vetting authority”; (i) for the definition of “vetting clearance” substitute— ““vetting clearance” means— (a) in relation to a police candidate or a police officer seeking to transfer from one police force to another, the level of police vetting clearance that the candidate or officer requires to perform the duties of the role for which they are seeking appointment; (18) For the meaning of the “police barred list” and “police advisory list”, see sections 88B(2) and 88J(2) of the Police Act 1996 respectively. Sections 88B and 88J were inserted by Schedule 8 to the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3). 11Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (b) in all other cases, the level of police vetting clearance that the police officer requires to perform the duties of their role;”. (2) After paragraph (1) insert— “(2) In these Regulations— (a) in Parts 3 and 4, references to “the vetting authority” are references to the vetting authority of the police force concerned; (b) the “vetting authority” of a police force is— (i)in relation to a police candidate or a police officer, other than a chief officer of police or acting chief officer, the chief officer of police of that police force; (ii)in relation to a chief officer of police or acting chief officer, the local policing body for that police force’s area.”. Amendment of regulation 3 (delegation) 12.—(1) Before paragraph (1) insert— “(A1) This regulation applies where a vetting authority is a chief officer of police. (B1) The chief officer of police may delegate any function under Part 1A, Part 2 and regulation 15(A1), as well as the function of delegation under this paragraph, to— (a) a member of a police force of any rank, or (b) a police staff member, who has the appropriate level of knowledge, skills and experience to perform that function.”. (2) For paragraph (1) substitute— “(1) The chief officer of police may, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), delegate any function under Parts 3 and 4, other than regulation 15(A1), as well as the function of delegation under this paragraph, to— (a) a member of a police force of at least the rank of inspector, or (b) a police staff member who, in the opinion of the chief officer, is at least a similar level of seniority to an inspector.”. (3) In paragraph (2)— (a) in the text before sub-paragraph (a), for “regulation 13” substitute “regulation 13, 13A”; (b) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute— “(a) a decision under regulation 13 or 13A as to whether the suspension condition is met, or”. Amendment of regulation 4 (application) 13. In regulation 4(1), for “a vetting authority” substitute “the vetting authority of the police force concerned”. Insertion of regulation 4A (deviation from guidance on vetting) 14. After regulation 4 insert— 12Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. “Deviation from guidance on vetting 4A. If a vetting authority considers it necessary to deviate on a repeated or prolonged basis from any aspect of— (a) any code of practice relating to vetting issued by the College of Policing under section 39A(19) of the Police Act 1996, or (b) any other guidance relating to vetting published by the Secretary of State or the College of Policing, the vetting authority must notify the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.”. Insertion of Part 1A 15. After Part 1 insert— “Part 1A Vetting Clearance: Police Candidates Appointment to a police force: requirement to hold vetting clearance etc. 4B.—(1) A police candidate must not be appointed to a police force unless they hold vetting clearance which was granted by the vetting authority of the police force to which they are seeking appointment within the period of 6 months ending with the date of appointment. (2) To apply for vetting clearance, a police candidate— (a) must have first completed each of the recruitment stages mentioned in regulation 10(1)(eb) of the Police Regulations 2003(20), and (b) must submit an application for vetting clearance to the vetting authority of the police force to which they are seeking appointment in a form and manner approved by the vetting authority. (3) A vetting authority may grant a police candidate vetting clearance only if— (a) the candidate has applied for vetting clearance in accordance with paragraph (2), (b) the vetting authority has carried out a vetting application assessment in respect of the candidate, and (c) the vetting authority is satisfied that the candidate is suitable to hold vetting clearance (see further regulation 4D). (4) Where a vetting authority grants a police candidate vetting clearance, it— (a) must specify the renewal date of the vetting clearance, and (b) may grant the vetting clearance subject to conditions. (5) A police candidate who has applied for vetting clearance or been granted vetting clearance must promptly notify the vetting authority of the police force to which they are (19) Section 39A was inserted by section 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30) and amended by paragraph 30(2) of Schedule 16 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13) and section 124 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12). (20) S.I. 2003/527. Regulation 10(1)(eb) was inserted by S.I. 2026/154. 13Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. seeking appointment of any change in their personal circumstance or any other matter which may reasonably affect their suitability to hold vetting clearance. Timings 4C.—(1) Where a police candidate has applied for vetting clearance in accordance with regulation 4B(2), the vetting authority of the police force to which they are seeking appointment must carry out the vetting application assessment required by regulation 4B(3) (b) as close as reasonably practicable to the date of appointment, and in any event within the period of six months ending with that date. (2) If the date of appointment is postponed so that the period beginning with the day on which the police candidate is granted vetting clearance and ending with the date of appointment is more than six months, the police candidate must reapply for vetting clearance. Suitability to hold vetting clearance: criminal convictions and cautions 4D.—(1) This regulation applies for the purposes of a vetting authority considering whether a police candidate is suitable to hold vetting clearance. (2) A police candidate is not suitable to hold vetting clearance if the candidate— (a) has engaged in conduct which attracts automatic disqualification under regulation 10(2A) of the Police Regulations 2003(21), or (b) has been convicted of, or given a caution for, an offence falling outside regulation 10(2A) of the Police Regulations 2003, unless there are particular circumstances relevant to the candidate’s case which justify the candidate being regarded as suitable to hold vetting clearance notwithstanding the commission of that offence. Variation and revocation of a police candidate’s vetting clearance 4E.—(1) Where a vetting authority has granted a police candidate vetting clearance, the vetting authority may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, add, remove or vary a condition to which the candidate’s vetting clearance is subject. (2) If a vetting authority considers that a police candidate to whom it has granted vetting clearance is no longer suitable to hold vetting clearance, it must revoke the candidate’s vetting clearance. Duty to provide police candidate with detailed reasons for certain decisions 4F.—(1) Where a vetting authority makes a decision under this Part to— (a) grant a police candidate vetting clearance subject to conditions, (b) decline to grant a police candidate vetting clearance, (c) add or vary a condition to which a police candidate’s vetting clearance is subject, or (d) revoke a police candidate’s vetting clearance, it must, subject to paragraph (2), provide the police candidate with detailed reasons in writing for its decision. (21) Regulation 10(2A) is inserted by regulation 23 of these Regulations. 14Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (2) The vetting authority must not provide the police candidate with information in so far as it considers that any of the reasons for preventing disclosure of information listed in regulation 8(2)(a) to (g) apply to that information; and for the purposes of this paragraph, regulation 8(2)(d) is to be read as if “other” were omitted. Right of appeal against decisions in respect of police candidates 4G.—(1) A police candidate may appeal against a decision of a vetting authority mentioned in regulation 4F(1). (2) The appeal must be made to a person nominated by the vetting authority (“the vetting appeal decision maker”) who— (a) has the appropriate level of knowledge, skills and experience to carry out the appeal, and (b) was not involved in the decision appealed against. (3) The only grounds of appeal under this regulation are that— (a) the decision was unreasonable; (b) there is evidence that could not reasonably have been considered as part of the decision which could have materially affected the decision; (c) there was procedural or other unfairness which could have materially affected the decision. (4) On completion of the appeal, the vetting appeal decision maker must make a written report to the vetting authority setting out its decision and providing detailed reasons in writing for its decision. (5) Before making any decision to add or vary a condition to which the police officer’s vetting clearance is subject, the vetting appeal decision maker must consult with the vetting authority. (6) The vetting authority must uphold the decision of the vetting appeal decision maker. Record of vetting clearance: police candidates 4H.—(1) A vetting authority must keep a record of— (a) each application for vetting clearance that it receives from a police candidate, including the decision on the application and the reasons for the decision, (b) each decision that it makes to add, remove or vary a condition to which a police candidate’s vetting clearance is subject, or to revoke a police candidate’s vetting clearance, and the reasons for its decision, and (c) each report made to it under regulation 4G(4). (2) Where the vetting authority has considered any information which indicates that the police candidate may not be or is not suitable to hold vetting clearance, the record of reasons mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must be a detailed record.”. Amendment of regulation 5 (duty to hold and maintain vetting clearance) 16.—(1) Regulation 5 is amended as follows. (2) The existing text becomes paragraph (1). (3) In paragraph (1)(b), after “the vetting authority” insert “of the police force concerned”. (4) After paragraph (1) insert— 15Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. “(2) Vetting clearance granted to a police officer by the vetting authority of the police force concerned is valid until whichever of the following events occurs first— (a) the vetting authority makes a further grant of vetting clearance to the officer (“renews” the officer’s vetting clearance); (b) the vetting clearance is terminated (see further regulation 6); (c) the vetting clearance is withdrawn (see further Parts 3 and 4).”. Insertion of regulations 5A to 5F 17. After regulation 5 insert— “Review of vetting clearance 5A.—(1) A vetting authority may from time to time carry out such checks as are necessary to assess whether, in respect of a police officer to whom it has granted vetting clearance— (a) there is information which indicates that the officer may no longer be suitable to hold vetting clearance, or (b) it is appropriate to add, vary or remove a condition to which the officer’s vetting clearance is subject. (2) A vetting authority must carry out a criminal history check in respect of a police officer to whom it has granted vetting clearance if— (a) the vetting authority has considered information concerning a change in the officer’s personal circumstances or other matter, and (b) the information does not, on its own, indicate that the officer may no longer be suitable to hold vetting clearance, but risk remains that warrants further assessment. (3) A vetting authority must assess whether either of the conditions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) applies in respect of a police officer to whom it has granted vetting clearance if the officer— (a) has been subject to misconduct proceedings or an accelerated misconduct hearing, and (b) has not been dismissed. (4) Following a review of a police officer’s vetting clearance, a vetting authority may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, add, vary or remove a condition to which the vetting clearance is subject. Renewal of vetting clearance 5B.—(1) A vetting authority must send an application for vetting clearance to a police officer to whom it has granted vetting clearance on or before the renewal date of that vetting clearance. (2) The vetting authority may postpone the renewal date of the vetting clearance if there is good reason to do so. (3) A vetting authority may renew the vetting clearance of a police officer to whom it has granted vetting clearance only if— (a) the officer has submitted an application for vetting clearance to the vetting authority in a form and manner approved by the vetting authority, 16Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (b) the vetting authority has carried out a vetting application assessment in respect of the officer, and (c) the vetting authority is satisfied that the officer is suitable to hold vetting clearance. (4) Where a vetting authority renews vetting clearance, it— (a) must specify the renewal date of the vetting clearance being granted, and (b) may grant that vetting clearance subject to conditions. (5) A vetting authority may at any time require a police officer to submit to it a further application for vetting clearance for the purposes of assessing whether the officer’s vetting clearance may be renewed. Officers seeking to transfer from one police force to another 5C.—(1) This regulation applies where a police officer is seeking to transfer from one police force (“police force A”) to another police force (“police force B”). (2) The police officer may not be appointed to police force B unless the officer holds vetting clearance granted by the vetting authority of police force B no more than six months before the date of appointment. (3) Subject to paragraph (4), the vetting authority of police force B may only grant the police officer vetting clearance if— (a) the officer has submitted an application for vetting clearance to the vetting authority of police force B in a form and manner approved by the vetting authority of police force B, (b) the vetting authority of police force B has carried out a vetting application assessment in respect of the officer, and (c) the vetting authority of police force B is satisfied that the officer is suitable to hold vetting clearance. (4) The vetting authority of police force B may carry out a full vetting review, in place of the requirements referred to in paragraph (3)(a) and (b), if the following conditions are met— (a) police force A and police force B share a police vetting unit, (b) the vetting clearance granted to the police officer by police force A— (i)is at the level required to perform the duties of the role for which they are seeking appointment, and (ii)was granted within the period of 12 months ending with the date of appointment, and (c) the police vetting unit considers that a full vetting review is sufficient for the purposes of assessing the officer’s suitability to hold vetting clearance. (5) But vetting clearance which is granted to a police officer following a full vetting review under paragraph (4) is invalidated if the officer’s date of appointment is postponed with the result that the vetting clearance granted to the officer by police force A was granted more than 12 months before the date of appointment. (6) Where the vetting authority of police force B grants the police officer vetting clearance, it— (a) must specify the renewal date of the vetting clearance, and (b) may grant the vetting clearance subject to conditions. 17Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (7) Where the vetting authority of police force B declines to grant the police officer vetting clearance— (a) the vetting authority of police force B must, as soon as reasonably practicable after making its decision to decline to grant the officer vetting clearance, make a written report to the vetting authority of police force A setting out its decision and providing detailed reasons in writing for its decision, and (b) if regulation 4 does not apply, the vetting authority of police force A must carry out a full vetting review in respect of the officer. (8) If, after granting the police officer vetting clearance but before appointing the officer to police force B, the vetting authority of police force B considers that the officer is no longer suitable to hold vetting clearance, it must revoke the vetting clearance. (9) A police officer who has applied to police force B for vetting clearance or been granted vetting clearance by police force B must promptly notify the vetting authority of police force B of any change in their personal circumstance or any other matter which may reasonably affect their suitability to hold vetting clearance. (10) In this regulation— “full vetting review” means a review of whether a police officer continues to be suitable to hold vetting clearance which includes— (a) a criminal history check, and (b) any other checks which it is reasonable and proportionate to carry out for the purposes of assessing an officer's continued suitability to hold vetting clearance; “police vetting unit” means a unit of individuals specialised in the assessment of the suitability of police candidates or police officers to hold vetting clearance. Suitability to hold vetting clearance: criminal offences 5D.—(1) Paragraphs (2) and (3) apply for the purposes of any provision of these Regulations that requires a person to make an assessment in connection with the suitability of a police officer to hold vetting clearance. (2) A police officer is not suitable to hold vetting clearance if— (a) the officer has been convicted of a criminal offence for which the court imposed a custodial sentence, (b) the officer is, or has been, subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003(22) (notification and orders), (c) the officer has been convicted of, or given a caution for, a listed offence, (d) the officer has been convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit a listed offence, or (e) the officer has been convicted of, or given a caution for, an offence which the vetting authority has determined involved behaviour by the officer amounting to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021(23) (see section 1 of that Act), unless there are exceptional circumstances which justify the officer being regarded as suitable to hold vetting clearance notwithstanding the commission of that offence. (3) A police officer is also not suitable to hold vetting clearance if the officer has been convicted of, or given a caution for, any other offence, unless there are particular (22) 2003 c. 42. (23) 2021 c. 17 . 18Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. circumstances relevant to the officer’s case which justify the officer being regarded as suitable to hold vetting clearance notwithstanding the commission of that offence. Duty to provide police officer with detailed reasons for certain decisions 5E.—(1) Where a vetting authority makes a decision under this Part to— (a) grant a police officer vetting clearance subject to conditions, (b) decline to grant a police officer vetting clearance, (c) add or vary a condition to which a police candidate’s vetting clearance is subject, or (d) revoke vetting clearance granted to a police officer, it must, subject to paragraph (2), provide the officer with detailed reasons in writing for its decision. (2) The vetting authority must not provide the police officer with information in so far as it considers that any of the reasons for preventing disclosure of information listed in regulation 8(2)(a) to (g) apply to that information. Right of appeal against decisions in respect of police officers 5F.—(1) A police officer may appeal against a decision of the vetting authority of the police force concerned to add or vary a condition to which the officer’s vetting clearance is subject. (2) A police officer who is seeking to transfer to another police force may appeal against a decision of the vetting authority of that police force to— (a) grant the officer vetting clearance subject to conditions, (b) decline to grant the officer vetting clearance, (c) add or vary a condition to which the officer’s vetting clearance is subject, or (d) revoke the officer’s vetting clearance. (3) The appeal must be made to a person nominated by the vetting authority whose decision is being appealed against (“the vetting appeal decision maker”) who— (a) has the appropriate level of knowledge, skills and experience to carry out the appeal, and (b) was not involved in the decision appealed against. (4) The only grounds of appeal under this regulation are that— (a) the decision was unreasonable; (b) there is evidence that could not reasonably have been considered as part of the decision which could have materially affected the decision; (c) there was procedural or other unfairness which could have materially affected the decision. (5) On completion of the appeal, the vetting appeal decision maker must make a written report to the vetting authority setting out its decision and the reasons for it. (6) Before making any decision to add or vary a condition to which a police officer’s vetting clearance is subject, the vetting appeal decision maker must consult with the vetting authority which granted the vetting clearance. (7) The vetting authority must uphold the decision of the vetting appeal decision maker.”. 19Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Substitution of regulation 7 (record of vetting clearance) 18. For regulation 7 (record of vetting clearance) substitute— “Record of vetting clearance: police officers 7.—(1) A vetting authority must keep a record of—— (a) each application for vetting clearance that it receives from a police officer, including the decision on the application and the reasons for the decision, (b) each review of vetting clearance that it carries out in respect of a police officer, including the decision on the review and the reasons for the decision, and (c) each report made to it under regulation 5C(7)(a) and 5F(5). (2) Where the vetting authority has considered any information which indicates that the police officer may not be suitable to hold vetting clearance, the record of reasons required by paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must be a detailed record.”. Amendment of regulation 11 (provision of notices or documents) 19. In regulation 11(4), for sub-paragraph (b) substitute— “(b) in any other case, on the next working day after the day referred to in sub- paragraph (a).”. Amendment of regulation 13 (suspension) 20. For regulation 13 substitute— “Duty to suspend where suspension condition met 13.—(1) The vetting authority must suspend the officer concerned from the office of constable and, in the case of a member of the police force, from membership of the force, if— (a) the vetting authority is satisfied that the condition in paragraph (4) (the “suspension condition”) is met, and (b) the officer is not already suspended under the Conduct Regulations. (2) An officer who is suspended under this regulation remains a police officer for the purposes of these Regulations and the Conduct Regulations. (3) Suspension under this regulation must be with pay. (4) The suspension condition is that— (a) the withdrawal assessment may be prejudiced unless the officer concerned is suspended, or (b) the public interest otherwise requires that the officer should be suspended. (5) When determining if the suspension condition is satisfied, the vetting authority must consider whether temporary redeployment to alternative duties or an alternative location is an appropriate alternative to suspension in all the circumstances of the case. (6) Suspension is effective from the date and time of notification, which must be given to the officer concerned either— (a) in writing with a summary of the reasons, or 20Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (b) orally, in which case the vetting authority must confirm the suspension in writing with a summary of the reasons before the end of the period of three working days beginning with the first working day after the suspension. (7) Suspension under this regulation must continue until whichever of the following occurs first— (a) the vetting authority is no longer satisfied, following a review under regulation 13A, that the suspension condition is met; (b) regulation 11F(2)(c) or 11G(2) of the Conduct Regulations applies (in which case the officer’s suspension continues under the Conduct Regulations); (c) it is decided that the matter should not be subject to a withdrawal assessment; (d) such a withdrawal assessment has concluded. Review of suspension under regulation 13 13A.—(1) The officer concerned, or the officer's police friend, may make representations against suspension under regulation 13 to the vetting authority— (a) before the end of the period of seven working days beginning with the first working day after the officer is suspended; (b) at any time during the suspension if the officer reasonably believes that circumstances relevant to the suspension condition have changed. (2) The vetting authority must review whether the suspension condition is met— (a) on receipt of any representations under paragraph (1); (b) if there has been no previous review, before the end of the period of 12 weeks beginning with the first working day after the suspension; (c) in any other case— (i)when it becomes aware that circumstances relevant to the suspension condition may have changed (otherwise than by means of representations made under paragraph (1)(b)); (ii)before the end of the period of 12 weeks beginning with the first working day after the previous review. (3) Where, following a review, the vetting authority remains satisfied that the suspension condition is met, it must, before the end of three working days beginning with the first working day after the review, so notify the officer concerned in writing with a summary of the reasons. (4) In this regulation, “suspension condition” has the same meaning as in regulation 13(1)(a).”. Amendment of regulation 15 (vetting severity assessment) 21. In regulation 15, before paragraph (1) insert— “(A1) Before proceeding in accordance with paragraph (1), the vetting authority must carry out a criminal history check in respect of the officer concerned, unless it has already done so in connection with the matter.”. Insertion of Schedule (listed offences) 22. At the end, insert the Schedule set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations. 21Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Part 5 Amendment of the Police Regulations 2003 Amendment of the Police Regulations 2003 23. The Police Regulations 2003(24) are amended in accordance with regulations 24 and 25. Amendment of regulation 10 (qualifications for appointment to a police force) 24.—(1) Regulation 10 is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph (1), after sub-paragraph (h) insert— “(ha) must, unless the candidate is a police officer applying to transfer to the force from another police force, not have engaged in conduct which attracts automatic disqualification under paragraph (2A); (hb) must hold vetting clearance in accordance with the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025;”. (3) After paragraph (2) insert— “(2A) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(ha), conduct attracts automatic disqualification under this paragraph if— (a) the candidate has been convicted of a criminal offence for which the court imposed a custodial sentence, (b) the candidate is, or has been, subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (notification and orders), (c) the candidate has been convicted of, or given a caution for, a listed offence, (d) the candidate has been convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit a listed offence, or (e) the candidate has been convicted of, or given a caution for, an offence which is determined under this regulation to involve behaviour by the candidate amounting to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 1 of that Act).”. (4) In paragraph (3)— (a) after sub-paragraph (aa) insert— “(aaa)“listed offence” means an offence listed in Schedule 3A to these Regulations;”; (b) after sub-paragraph (b) insert— “(c) “vetting clearance” means the level of police vetting clearance that the candidate requires to perform the duties of the role for which they are seeking appointment.”. Insertion of Schedule 3A 25. After Schedule 3, insert the Schedule set out in Schedule 3 to these Regulations. (24) S.I. 2003/527. Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2019/745 and S.I. 2026/154. 22Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Part 6 Amendment of the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020 Amendment of the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020 26.—(1) The Police Performance Regulations 2020(25) are amended in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) In regulation 7 (provision of notices or documents), in paragraph (4)(26), for sub- paragraph (b) substitute— “(b) in any other case, on the next working day after the day referred to in sub- paragraph (a).”. Part 7 Transitional provisions Transitional provisions: amendments to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 27.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments made by Part 2 do not apply in relation to— (a) a pre-commencement allegation, or (b) an allegation against a police officer which— (i)relates to a matter in respect of which a pre-commencement allegation against the officer has been made, and (ii)comes to the attention of a local policing body(27), a chief officer of police or the Director General on or after 13th July 2026 at a time when the pre-commencement allegation is being handled in accordance with— (aa)the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 as in force before 13th July 2026, or (bb)Part 2 of the 2002 Act. (2) The amendments made by Part 2 apply where the Director General— (a) determines under section 13B of the 2002 Act(28) (power of the Director General to require a re-investigation) that a complaint or matter is to be re-investigated, or (b) makes a direction under section 28A(1) or (4) of the 2002 Act(29) (application of Part 2 to old cases) in relation to a matter, regardless of when the complaint was made or the matter came to the attention of the appropriate authority. (3) In this regulation— “the 2002 Act” means the Police Reform Act 2002; “appropriate authority” has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020; “complaint” has the meaning given in section 12 of the 2002 Act; (25) S.I. 2020/3. (26) Paragraph (4) was inserted by S.I. 2025/558. (27) For the meaning of “local policing body”, see section 101(1) of the Police Act 1996. (28) Section 13B was inserted by section 18(1) of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3) and amended by paragraph 20 of Schedule 9 to that Act. (29) Section 28A was inserted by section 2(2) of the Police (Complaints and Conduct) Act 2012 (c. 22). 23Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. “conduct matter” has the meaning given in section 12 of the 2002 Act; “Director General” means the Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct; “police officer” means a member of a police force or special constable; “pre-commencement allegation” means an allegation against a police officer which came to the attention of a local policing body, a chief officer of police or the Director General before 13th July 2026. Transitional provisions: amendments to the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 28.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies where— (a) before 13th July 2026, the vetting authority of a police force granted vetting clearance to a police candidate or to a police officer seeking appointment to the police force without the vetting authority having carried out all the checks specified in paragraph (3), and (b) the candidate or officer is not appointed to the police force before that date. (2) The vetting authority may only appoint the police candidate or police officer to the police force on or after 13th July 2026 if, before the date of appointment— (a) it has carried out all the checks specified in paragraph (3), and (b) it remains satisfied that the candidate or officer is suitable to hold vetting clearance. (3) The specified checks are— (a) in the case of a police candidate or a police officer in respect of whom the condition set out in regulation 4B(3)(a) or 5C(3)(a) of the Vetting Regulations(30) is met, the checks included in a vetting application assessment; (b) in the case of a police officer in respect of whom the conditions set out in regulation 5C(4) of the Vetting Regulations are met, the checks included in a full vetting review. (4) Regulation 5A(3) of the Vetting Regulations does not apply where the misconduct proceedings or accelerated misconduct hearing were concluded before 13th July 2026. (5) Where a vetting authority was aware of information to which paragraph (6) applies before 13th July 2026, including in a case where that information resulted in a finding or determination that the police officer in question was suitable to hold vetting clearance, the information is to be treated as coming to the attention of the vetting authority immediately after the commencement date. (6) This paragraph applies to information that a police officer— (a) has been convicted or given a caution for an offence, or (b) is, or has been, subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. (7) The amendments made by regulations 12(3) and 20 (amendments related to suspension) do not apply in relation to information indicating that a police officer may no longer be suitable to hold vetting clearance which came to the attention of the vetting authority of the police force concerned before 13th July 2026. (8) In this regulation— (a) the following expressions have the following meanings— “full vetting review” has the meaning given in regulation 5C(10) of the Vetting Regulations; (30) Regulation 4B of the Vetting Regulations is inserted by regulation 15 of these Regulations and regulations 5A to 5E of the Vetting Regulations are inserted by regulation 17 of these Regulations. 24Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. “police candidate” means a person seeking appointment to a police force, but does not include a police officer who is seeking to transfer from one police force to another; “police force concerned” has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Vetting Regulations(31); “police officer” means a member of a police force or special constable; “vetting application assessment” has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Vetting Regulations; “vetting clearance” has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Vetting Regulations; “the Vetting Regulations” means the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025; (b) the “vetting authority” of a police force means— (i)in relation to a police candidate or a police officer, other than a chief officer of police or acting chief officer, the chief officer of police of that police force; (ii)in relation to a chief officer of police or acting chief officer, the local policing body for that police force’s area. Sarah Jones Minister of State 16th June 2026 Home Office (31) Regulation 2(1) of the Vetting Regulations is amended by regulation 11 of these Regulations. 25Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Schedules Schedule 1 Regulation 8 Insertion of Schedule 3 (listed offences) in the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 “Schedule 3 Regulation 11C Listed offences 1. An offence under section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988(32) (possession of indecent photograph of child). 2. An offence under section 63CA of the Family Law Act 1996 (forced marriage: offence of breaching order)(33). 3. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997(34)— (a) section 2A (offence of stalking)(35); (b) section 4A (offence of stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress)(36). 4. An offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003(37). 5. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003— (a) Part 1 (sexual offences)(38); (b) section 103I (offence: breach of SHPO or interim SHPO etc.)(39); (32) 1988 c. 33. Section 160 was amended by sections 84(4)(a) and (b), 86(1) and 168(3) of, and Schedule 11 to, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, section 41(3)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 and paragraph 24 of Schedule 26 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. (33) 1996 c. 27. Section 63CA was inserted by section 120(2) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12). (34) 1997 c. 40. (35) Section 2A was inserted by section 111(1) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 6). (36) Section 4A was inserted by section 111(2) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and amended by section 175(1)(b) of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 and S.I. 2022/500 and 2023/149. (37) 2003 c. 31. Relevant amendments were made by sections 70(1) and 72(2) and (3) of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9). (38) 2003 c. 42. Relevant amendments to Part 1 were made by paragraph 18 of Schedule 3 to the Children Act 2004 (c. 31), paragraphs 173(2) to (4), 174(2) to (4) and 175(2) to (4) of Schedule 27 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), section 72(1) of, and paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5(2) to (5), 6(2) to (5) of Schedule 15 to, the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), paragraphs 15 and 16 of Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), paragraph 81 of Schedule 1 to the Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), section 14 and paragraph 24(a) and (d) of Schedule 7 to the Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 3), paragraph 117(b) of Schedule 5 to the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), section 109(2) to (5) of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), section 6(1) of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), section 36(1) of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), Schedule 5 to the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), sections 67, 68(3)(a) and (b), (4)(a) and (b), (5)(a) and (b), (6)(a) and (b) and 88(1) of, and paragraph 63 of Schedule 4 to, the Serious Crime Act 2015, paragraph (5)(2) of Schedule 5 to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), section 176 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), section 1(2) and (3) of the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 (c. 2), paragraph 2(2)(a) to (c) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), sections 46(2) and (3), 47(2) and 48(2) to (4) of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), sections 187 and 188 of, and paragraph 16(2) of Schedule 14 to, the Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50), S.I. 2008/1769 (N.I. 2) and S.I. 2007/961, 2008/1779, 2010/813, 2011/1045, 2016/413, 2018/195, 2019/772, 2022/500 and 2023/149. (39) Section 103I was inserted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 5 to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12) and amended by sections 175(13) and 180(2) of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. 26Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. (c) section 122H (offence: breach of sexual risk order or interim sexual risk order etc.)(40); (d) Schedule 3 (sexual offences for the purposes of Part 2)(41). 6. An offence under section 121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014(42) (offence of forced marriage: England and Wales). 7. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015(43)— (a) section 33 (disclosing, or threatening to disclose, private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress), as in force before it was repealed by section 190 of the Online Safety Act 2023(44); (b) section 36 (meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.); (c) section 37 (possession of pornographic images of rape and assault by penetration respectively). 8. An offence under Part 5 of the Serious Crime Act 2015(45) (protection of children and others). 9. An offence under section 8 of the Stalking Protection Act 2019(46) (offence of breaching stalking protection order etc.). 10. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021— (a) section 39 (breach of a domestic abuse protection order)(47); (b) section 69 (threats to disclose private sexual photographs)(48).”. (40) Section 122H was inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 5 to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and amended by sections 176(6) and 180(5) of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. (41) Relevant amendments to Schedule 3 were made by paragraph 3(a) to (c) of the Schedule to the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 9), paragraph 212(2)(b) and (3) of Schedule 16 and Schedule 17 to the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 5 and paragraph 63(2) of Schedule 6 to the Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), paragraph 58(2) and (3) to Schedule 26 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, paragraph 5 of Schedule 5 and Schedule 6 to the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), section 117(1) of, and paragraph 62(2) to (5) of Schedule 21 to, the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), sections 41(3)(a) and (b) and 42(3) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), paragraph 66(2) to (4) of Schedule 4 to the Serious Crime Act 2015, section 4(2) of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 and paragraph 8(a) and (b) of Schedule 2 to, the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), section 1(4) of the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, paragraph 216 of Schedule 24 to the Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), paragraph 16(4) of Schedule 14 to the Online Safety Act 2023, S.I. 2007/296, 2008/1779 and 2011/2298 and S.S.I. 2010/421. (42) 2014 c. 12. Section 121 was amended by section 2 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 (c. 28) and S.I. 2022/500 and 2023/149. (43) 2015 c. 2. (44) 2023 c. 50. Section 33 was repealed with effect from 31st January 2024 (see S.I. 2024/31). (45) 2015 c. 9. Relevant amendments were made by sections 68 and 70(1) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17) and S.I. 2016/244, 2022/500 and 2023/149. (46) 2019 c. 9. Section 8 was amended by paragraph 298 of Schedule 24 to the Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17) and S.I. 2020/500 and 2023/149. (47) Section 39 was amended by S.I. 2020/500 and 2023/149. (48) Section 69 was amended by paragraph 23(2) of Schedule 14 to the Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50). 27Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Schedule 2 Regulation 22 Insertion of the Schedule (listed offences) in the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 “Schedule Regulation 2(1) Listed offences 1. An offence under section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (possession of indecent photograph of child). 2. An offence under section 63CA of the Family Law Act 1996 (forced marriage: offence of breaching order). 3. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997— (a) section 2A (offence of stalking); (b) section 4A (offence of stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress). 4. An offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. 5. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003— (a) Part 1 (sexual offences); (b) section 103I (offence: breach of SHPO or interim SHPO etc.); (c) section 122H (offence: breach of sexual risk order or interim sexual risk order etc.); (d) Schedule 3 (sexual offences for the purposes of Part 2). 6. An offence under section 121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (offence of forced marriage: England and Wales). 7. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015— (a) section 33 (disclosing, or threatening to disclose, private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress), as in force before it was repealed by section 190 of the Online Safety Act 2023; (b) section 36 (meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.); (c) section 37 (possession of pornographic images of rape and assault by penetration respectively). 8. An offence under Part 5 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (protection of children and others). 9. An offence under section 8 of the Stalking Protection Act 2019 (offence of breaching stalking protection order etc.). 10. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021— (a) section 39 (breach of a domestic abuse protection order); (b) section 69 (threats to disclose private sexual photographs).”. 28Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. Schedule 3 Regulation 25 Insertion of schedule 3A (listed offences) in the Police Regulations 2003 “Schedule 3A Regulation 10(3) Listed offences 1. An offence under section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (possession of indecent photograph of child). 2. An offence under section 63CA of the Family Law Act 1996 (forced marriage: offence of breaching order). 3. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997— (a) section 2A (offence of stalking); (b) section 4A (offence of stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress). 4. An offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. 5. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003— (a) Part 1 (sexual offences); (b) section 103I (offence: breach of SHPO or interim SHPO etc.); (c) section 122H (offence: breach of sexual risk order or interim sexual risk order etc.); (d) Schedule 3 (sexual offences for the purposes of Part 2). 6. An offence under section 121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (offence of forced marriage: England and Wales). 7. An offence under any of the following provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015— (a) section 33 (disclosing, or threatening to disclose, private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress), as in force before it was repealed by section 190 of the Online Safety Act 2023; (b) section 36 (meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.); (c) section 37 (possession of pornographic images of rape and assault by penetration respectively). 8. An offence under Part 5 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (protection of children and others). 9. An offence under section 8 of the Stalking Protection Act 2019 (offence of breaching stalking protection order etc.). 10. An offence under either of the following provisions of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021— (a) section 39 (breach of a domestic abuse protection order); (b) section 69 (threats to disclose private sexual photographs).”. 29Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations principally amend the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/4) (“the Conduct Regulations”) and the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/502) (“the Vetting Regulations”). They also make consequential and subsidiary amendments to the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2) (“the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations”), the Police Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/527) (“the Police Regulations”) and the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/3) (“the Performance Regulations”). Part 2 of these Regulations amends the Conduct Regulations to make provision with respect to the suspension of police officers. The amendments— • clarify that there is a duty to suspend a police officer where it is in the public interest to do so (see new regulation 11), • provide that where a police officer is the subject of a criminal investigation and the appropriate authority has assessed that the conduct of the officer would, if proved, amount to gross misconduct, the appropriate authority must consider whether the condition for suspension is met within the specified time-frame (see new regulation 11B), • provide that where a police officer is arrested, or questioned under caution while not under arrest, in relation to a listed offence (see new Schedule 3, inserted by Schedule 1 to these Regulations) or an offence involving alleged domestic abuse, it will be in the public interest for the appropriate authority to suspend the police officer unless there are exceptional circumstances (see new regulations 11C and 11E), • provide that a decision under new regulation 11C that it is not in the public interest to suspend a police officer must be approved by the chief officer or an officer of at least the rank of assistant commissioner or, in certain cases, notified to a more senior body (see new regulations 2(4ZA) and 11D), and • provide that a police officer who is charged with a relevant offence or an offence involving alleged domestic abuse, is subject to automatic or mandatory suspension, with a one-off right of review where the offence is not a relevant offence (see new regulations 11E to 11H). In addition, regulation 4 in Part 2 of these Regulations corrects an error regarding the provision of notices and forms inserted into the Conduct Regulations by the Police (Conduct, Performance, Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/558) (“the Conduct, Performance, Complaints and Misconduct Regulations”). Part 3 of these Regulations amends the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations. Regulation 9(2) makes an amendment to those Regulations which is consequential to amendments made by Part 2 of these Regulations. Regulation 9(3) corrects an error regarding the provision of notices and forms inserted into the Complaints and Misconduct Regulations by the Conduct, Performance, Complaints and Misconduct Regulations. Part 4 of these Regulations amends the Vetting Regulations. Regulation 13 clarifies regulation 4 of the Vetting Regulations. Regulation 14 inserts new regulation 4A, which imposes a notification requirement on vetting authorities which deviate from guidance on a repeated or prolonged basis. Regulation 15 inserts a new Part 1A, dealing with police candidates (the definition of which excludes police officers seeking to transfer to another police force). New Part 1A stipulates that a police candidate may not be appointed to a police force unless they hold vetting clearance which was granted no more than six months before the date of appointment (see new regulation 4A) and sets 30Document Generated: 2026-06-22 Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format. out the criteria that must be met for a vetting authority to grant vetting clearance to a police candidate (see new regulation 4B). Where vetting clearance was granted more than six months before the date of appointment, the police candidate must reapply for vetting clearance (see new regulation 4C). New Part 1A sets out new rules regarding the impact of criminal and other conduct on suitability to hold vetting clearance (see new regulation 4D and the new Schedule, inserted by Schedule 2 to these Regulations) and also makes provision with respect to revocation and variation of vetting clearance, the provision of detailed reasons for certain decisions, appeals and record keeping (see new regulations 4E to 4H). Regulations 16 to 18 amend Part 2 of the Vetting Regulations, concerning police officers. Regulation 16 amends regulation 5 of the Vetting Regulations to provide that vetting clearance held by a police officer is valid until it is renewed by a further grant of vetting clearance, withdrawn or terminated. Regulation 17 inserts new regulations 5A to 5E, which make provision in relation to reviews of vetting clearance (see new regulation 5A), renewal of vetting clearance (see new regulation 5B), police officers seeking to transfer from one police force to another (see new regulation 5C), the impact of criminal and other conduct on suitability to hold vetting clearance (see new regulation 5D and the new Schedule), the provision of detailed reasons for certain decisions (see new regulation 5E) and appeals (see new regulation 5F). Regulation 18 makes amendments in connection with record keeping. Regulations 19 to 21 amend provisions regarding withdrawal assessments in Parts 3 and 4 of the Vetting Regulations. Regulation 19 corrects an error regarding the provision of notices and forms. The amendments made by regulation 20 require a criminal history check to be carried out as part of a vetting severity assessment. Part 5 of these Regulations amends the Police Regulations. The amendments ensure that a police candidate (other than a police candidate seeking to transfer to another police force) is not eligible to be appointed to a police force if they have engaged in certain criminal and other conduct. They also amend the eligibility criteria for appointment to a police force by inserting a requirement for the police candidate to hold vetting clearance in accordance with the Vetting Regulations. Part 6 of these Regulations amends the Performance Regulations to correct an error regarding the provision of notices and forms inserted into those Regulations by the Conduct, Performance, Complaints and Misconduct Regulations. Part 7 makes transitional provision. A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. 31