Overview

• HMICFRS rated vetting at Hampshire and Surrey as “requires improvement,” revealing 110 Hampshire staff and 469 Surrey personnel in posts without valid clearance.
• Hampshire Constabulary failed to record elements of sexual misconduct or discrimination in three of six reviewed conduct cases.
• Understaffing in Surrey Police’s vetting unit led to backlogs in high-risk clearance checks, and the force does not conduct random drug testing despite HMICFRS advice.
• Inspectors praised Hampshire’s comprehensive counter-corruption plan and Surrey’s proactive approach to gathering corruption-related intelligence.
• The Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner has earmarked extra funding and demanded swift reforms while both forces plan to recruit vetting staff and strengthen oversight.