Police Vetting
Eligibility - Vetting
Navigating Our Vetting Process
Working for the Ministry of Defence Police means protecting some of the nation's most sensitive Defence locations and assets. To ensure we maintain the highest security standards, all candidates must successfully complete an in-depth vetting process.
We operate at Ministry of Defence sites across the UK, which requires both Force Police Vetting and UK Security Vetting (UKSV) processes. This dual approach ensures you meet the specific requirements for both police work and access to classified Defence materials.
It is important that you are completely open and honest throughout the recruitment and vetting process. Omitting or concealing information will be taken as evidence of unreliability and dishonesty.
All candidates are treated impartially and consistently regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, race, ethnic origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. People from a diverse range of backgrounds hold clearance at the highest level.
Force Police Vetting
Force Police Vetting is carried out in accordance with the College of Policing Vetting Code of Practice and Authorised Professional Practice on Vetting. This provides an additional layer of reassurance tailored to the police environment. It includes open-source internet enquiries and checks of national police systems.
Ensure all current or unused social media accounts comply with the Police Code of Ethics. You must disclose all relevant matters regardless of outcome, including any contact with police (whether you were a victim, suspect or witness) and any dealings with Military Authorities. Failure to disclose information or notify the Recruitment Team of changed personal circumstances may result in vetting not being granted.
If refused police vetting, you may appeal against the decision.
Common Access Card
Some MDP officers work at United States Visiting Forces (USVF) bases. Access to US networked IT systems requires a Common Access Card (CAC). To obtain a CAC, you will need to provide personal information that USVF authorities will safeguard while you remain employed at a USVF unit.
Police Service Conduct and Performance
This guidance applies to all applicants with previous UK police service as Police Staff, PCSO, Police Officer, or Special Constabulary member.
Applications will not progress if you have received:
A Final Written Warning within the last five years
A Written Warning within the last three years
An extension to a Final Written Warning at any time
A formal Unsatisfactory Performance Procedure case within the last three years
A misconduct sanction categorised as Honesty and Integrity within the last five years
Applications will be suspended if you are subject to:
A conduct or complaint investigation where a Notice of Investigation has been served
Formal Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures
Applications from former officers will not progress if you have:
Been dismissed for Gross Misconduct and remain on the Barred and Advisory List
Resigned or retired whilst subject to Gross Misconduct proceedings
Had employment terminated as a probationary officer or resigned as an alternative to termination
Been dismissed as a result of Unsatisfactory Performance Procedures
You have a continuing obligation to disclose all existing and new conduct, complaint, and performance matters throughout your application, including Management Action related to Honesty and Integrity.
UK Security Vetting (UKSV)
Find out more about the UK Security Vetting process, including Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance levels required for Ministry of Defence Police roles.