Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dr Alan Billings has responded to South Yorkshire Police’s ‘adequate’ rating, following an inspection into the effectiveness of the force’s vetting process.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) independently assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of police forces in England and Wales.

In the report, released today, South Yorkshire’s force has been graded as adequate at how effectively it vets its officers and staff.

Responding to the report, South Yorkshire PCC, Dr Billings said: “Experience has shown us that the vetting standards of officers and staff is crucial and I welcome today’s report.

“Vetting is something that my Independent Ethics Panel (IEP) focus on. The Panel’s work programme includes in depth scrutiny of the work of the vetting unit, with one of the panel members taking the lead for this area of policing.

“Work includes liaising with officers in the vetting unit and sampling individual cases to check on decision making and ensuring that correct vetting processes and procedures are being followed. Panel findings so far have provided me with some positive assurance that vetting is being undertaken in line with policy and procedure in order to keep the public safe.”

“I know that South Yorkshire Police is committed to making further improvements in line with HMCFRS’s suggestions. I will ask the IEP to monitor and provide assurance on progress over the coming months.”

Read the full report here.