feb 11, 2025 - Met Officers Vetting Controversy

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Policing has been left in a "hopeless position", Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said, after the High Court ruled an officer accused of rape could not be dismissed because the process was fundamentally unfair.

The ruling came after Sgt Lino Di Maria mounted a legal challenge after having his vetting - a background check - removed following sexual assault allegations, which he denied and was not charged over.

Sir Mark said the force now did not have any mechanism to get rid of officers who were not fit to keep their vetted status, including officers who "cannot be trusted to work with women" or "enter the homes of vulnerable people".

However, Mrs Justice Lang said the dismissal process which had been used by the Met was unlawful as those suspected of wrongdoing were denied an opportunity to defend themselves.

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