Police Vetting Process Explained
A complete guide to UK police vetting: clearance levels from RV to DV, what gets checked, how long it takes, and how to give yourself the best chance of passing.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
What is RV vetting?
RV vetting — Recruitment Vetting — is the baseline security clearance every prospective police officer, PCSO, special constable, member of police staff or volunteer in England and Wales must pass before they can be appointed. It is completed as part of the application process, before training begins, and sits alongside the higher clearances (MV, SC, DV, CTC) explained in the table below.
Vetting Levels Explained
Everyone joining a police force starts with RV (Recruitment Vetting), completed before appointment. From there, UK policing uses four further main vetting levels — MV, SC, DV and CTC — for ongoing and higher-clearance roles. Every officer and member of police staff must hold at least Management Vetting (MV) once in post.
| Level | Name | Who Needs It | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
RV | Recruitment Vetting The baseline clearance completed before appointment — for everyone who works for a police force, paid or unpaid, before they start in role. | Every new joiner: officers, PCSOs, special constables, police staff and volunteers | Completed before start date |
MV | Management Vetting Standard level for all police officers and staff with access to police systems and information. | All new officers, PCSOs, and most police staff | 3–6 months |
SC | Security Check Enhanced check for roles requiring access to SECRET-classified national security information. | Counter-terrorism units, serious organised crime, some specialist departments | 4–8 months |
DV | Developed Vetting Highest national security clearance, involving in-depth interviews and lifestyle assessment. | Intelligence roles, JTAC, SO15, senior national security positions | 6–18 months |
CTC | Counter Terrorism Check Targeted check for roles working in high-security locations or with sensitive CT intelligence. | Roles at airports, ports, nuclear sites, or with specific CT access | 3–6 months |
Key facts about RV vetting
- RV clearance lapses if employment or service doesn’t start within six months of it being granted — the individual must be re-vetted before starting.
- Police vetting is governed by the statutory Vetting Code of Practice (2023), made under section 39A(5) of the Police Act 1996 as amended by section 124(5) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- The Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/502) came into force on 14 May 2025.
- If RV (or any other level) clearance is declined, granted with conditions, or withdrawn, you have the right to appeal through a process independent of the original decision.
Source: College of Policing / Home Office, Vetting Code of Practice (July 2023); the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/502 (legislation.gov.uk).
What Gets Checked?
Vetting is a thorough process. Understanding what is examined helps you prepare and make accurate disclosures.
Typical Timelines
RV — before appointment — Completed before start date
Vetting should take place as late as possible in the recruitment process, so any current risks are assessed — Vetting Code of Practice (2023)
MV — standard officer/staff — 3–6 months
Can vary significantly depending on workload, disclosure complexity, and overseas residency
SC — specialist roles — 4–8 months
Involves additional national security checks via government vetting agencies
DV — highest level — 6–18 months
Includes in-depth interviews, lifestyle assessment, and extensive background checks
CTC — counter terrorism — 3–6 months
May run concurrently with MV at some forces
Common Reasons for Vetting Failure
- Undisclosed or serious criminal record (including cautions and reprimands)
- Dishonesty during the vetting process — any concealment or misrepresentation
- Close association with known criminals, gang members, or extremists
- Evidence of extremist beliefs or discriminatory views (including online)
- Significant unresolved financial difficulties suggesting vulnerability to corruption
- Drug use — particularly Class A drugs or supply offences within a set period
- Previous failed vetting without material change in circumstances
- Domestic abuse history (civil orders, police call-outs, conviction)
- Serious motoring offences (drink driving, dangerous driving)
Appeals Process
If your vetting application is refused, you have the right to appeal. The process varies by force, but typically involves:
- Written notification: The force will inform you of the refusal, though they may not always disclose the specific reason (particularly where national security is involved).
- Request for reconsideration: You can submit additional information or context that may address the concerns raised. This is most effective where the refusal relates to matters you can explain or evidence.
- Formal appeal: Most forces have a formal vetting appeals process, often reviewed by a senior officer or vetting manager not involved in the original decision.
- Independent review: In some cases, you may be able to request an independent review. Contact PFEW (Police Federation of England and Wales) or seek legal advice if you believe the decision was unlawful or procedurally unfair.
Note: Vetting decisions are largely at the discretion of the chief constable. Courts are generally reluctant to interfere unless there is clear evidence of procedural unfairness or unlawfulness.
Tips for Vetting Success
- Disclose everything — vetting officers know that people are not perfect, but they will not tolerate concealment
- Be honest about your history, explain the context, and show evidence of change where relevant
- Review your social media presence thoroughly before applying
- Resolve outstanding CCJs or financial disputes before submitting your application
- Consider your associates and whether any relationships could raise concerns
- Keep your personal statement and application consistent — vetting checks both
- If asked to complete financial or personal history forms, be thorough and accurate
Frequently asked
- What does RV mean in police vetting?
- RV stands for Recruitment Vetting — the baseline clearance completed before a person is appointed as a police officer, PCSO, special constable, member of police staff or volunteer, before they start in role.
- What are the levels of police vetting?
- Everyone starts with RV (Recruitment Vetting) before appointment. From there, UK policing uses four further main levels for ongoing and higher-clearance roles: MV (Management Vetting), SC (Security Check), DV (Developed Vetting) and CTC (Counter Terrorism Check) — see the table below for who needs each.
- What happens if I don't start within 6 months of RV clearance?
- Under the Vetting Code of Practice (2023), if employment or service hasn't commenced within six months of a vetting clearance being granted, the individual must be re-vetted before they can start.
- Can I appeal a vetting decision?
- Yes. Whenever a vetting clearance is declined, granted with conditions, or withdrawn, you have the right to appeal through a process that is independent of the original decision. See the Appeals Process section below for how this typically works.