West Midlands Police Chief Unveils Enhanced Vetting to Prioritize Women's Safety
Acting Chief Constable Scott Green of West Midlands Police has declared that the vetting process for new recruits is now more rigorous than ever, as he emphasizes the force's commitment to ensuring the safety of women and girls across the region. In an exclusive interview, Green detailed the intensified checks and procedures that prospective officers must undergo before joining the service.
Rising Concerns and Historical Context
This announcement comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on police conduct, particularly following remarks by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who acknowledged that "several ghastly cases of police officers committing awful offences against women" have eroded public trust. The discussion also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the tragic rape and murder of Sarah Everard on March 3, 2021, a case that involved an off-duty officer and sparked nationwide outrage.
In the West Midlands, alarming statistics reveal a 143 per cent increase in reports of rape and sexual assault by women since 2020. Additionally, a staggering 97 per cent of harassment cases did not result in criminal charges, highlighting systemic challenges in addressing gender-based violence. Many women have expressed feeling unsafe during daily activities, such as commuting to work or using public transport.
Commitment to Safety and Rigorous Vetting
Acting Chief Constable Green stated, "Tackling violence against women and girls will always be a priority for this force. It will always be a priority for me and for the force under my leadership." He outlined a multi-faceted approach, including significant investment in the public protection unit, which employs specialist detectives to support victims and investigate crimes with rigor.
Green emphasized that policing plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of security in communities, towns, cities, public transport, and licensed premises. The force collaborates with local authorities and businesses to implement initiatives like the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, designed to help individuals in vulnerable situations.
Enhanced Vetting Processes
West Midlands Police adheres to the national vetting standards set by the College of Policing, which were revised in 2025 to ensure a thorough assessment of all applicants. Vetting checks are conducted to verify the highest levels of integrity among employees, given their access to sensitive information and positions of trust. The process includes regular renewals throughout an officer's career, supplemented by supervisor appraisals to maintain accountability.
Green added, "Internally, our vetting processes about the officers that we recruit into the force are more rigorous than they have ever been." He encouraged any woman or girl who feels unsafe to report their concerns to the police, sharing a personal perspective as a husband and father to a young adult woman, underscoring his dedication to creating a safer environment for all.
