Met Slams Claims of Failed Safeguarding Over Police Clearance Delays
The Met Police have slammed accusations they recklessly closed cases, putting vulnerable people at risk. Safeguarding remains their top priority, they insist.
Mounting Backlog Sparks Delay Fears
Back in June 2016, the Met revealed a staggering 81,000+ outstanding checks, with a wait averaging nearly two months. Delays meant key worker hires could stall — or worse, unsuitable candidates might slip through before full police checks were done.
Met Takes Swift Action to Tackle Crisis
- A special Gold Group was set up immediately under senior leadership.
- Teams partnered closely with the Home Office, DBS, and National Police Chiefs Council.
- Met’s processes were aligned with national standards, bringing their checks in line with other forces.
- Staffing was boosted and extra help recruited from across police forces.
- Working practices were overhauled to speed up clearances without cutting corners.
Risk-Based Case Closures Backed by Reassessments
Some cases were closed early, but only after thorough risk assessments by interim heads judged it safe. Follow-up dip sampling confirmed these moves didn’t jeopardise public safety.
The Met insists all actions complied with strict guidelines, ensuring no vital local police info was missed. They also confirm that costs of running the Character Enquiry Centre are fully recovered through fees.
In short, the Met stands by its safeguarding record and says it’s working tirelessly to clear backlogs and protect the most vulnerable.
