Police: Conduct

Mr. Gordon Prentice
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her Department's policy is on persons convicted of an offence involving dishonesty while serving as a police officer; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Coaker
Police officers are expected to demonstrate the highest level of personal and professional standards of behaviour. The Standards of Professional Behaviour contained in the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 reflect the expectations that the police service and the public have of how police officers should behave. Any breach of these standards may result in disciplinary action being taken, which in the most serious cases can result in dismissal from the service.

The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) is responsible for national police recruitment standards. Home Office Circular 54/2003 outlines the policy which is used to assess each application. Each case is considered on its merits and eligibility will depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence. Applicants must declare on application whether or not they have any convictions or cautions, spent or otherwise. Responsibility and decisions for vetting lie with the individual police.