Durham Police under fire after corruption safeguards ruled inadequate...
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42 staff Durham Police employed at without proper clearance: watchdog’s stark findings
26th Feb 2026
Durham Constabulary is said to have narrowly avoided being placed into special measures after the police watchdog delivered a damning assessment of its vetting, counter-corruption and professional standards arrangements, warning that fundamental weaknesses could allow unsuitable individuals to work within the force.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded the force “inadequate” in its vetting of officers and staff and in its counter-corruption systems, while its handling of professional standards was judged to “require improvement”. The findings, described by inspectors as “disappointing”, highlight whats being blamed to alleged longstanding structural and resourcing problems which senior officers now accept will take time to resolve.
Inspectors found that the force did not have a dedicated vetting manager in post at the time of the visit and that a backlog of approximately 684 applications had yet to be started. As of mid-July 2025, 42 members of personnel were recorded as not holding the correct level of vetting for their roles, raising concerns about compliance with national standards and the safeguarding of sensitive information.
The report also warns that current arrangements create a risk that individuals who are not suitable to serve in policing could be granted clearance. It also identifies serious weaknesses in the force’s ability to gather and assess intelligence relating to corruption, with its approach to managing sexual misconduct information described as fragmented. Inspectors noted that a force-wide workplace sexual harassment risk assessment had not been completed.
Further concerns were raised about the resourcing of the complaints and conduct system, with the watchdog concluding that additional capacity is required if cases are to be dealt with efficiently and in line with public expectations. However, the inspection did acknowledge that the counter-corruption unit itself contains experienced investigators and that there has been progress in ensuring officers and staff understand the importance of reporting changes in their personal circumstances.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer confirmed that the force’s progress would be closely monitored, although she also pointed to positive partnership work with external organisations supporting vulnerable people.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said a programme of reform was now under way, including the recruitment of twelve additional staff into the professional standards department and the introduction of more than £200,000 worth of new IT designed to strengthen monitoring and reduce delays. She accepted that the shortcomings had developed over many years amid significant financial pressures on the force.
The findings put the spotlight firmly once again on the North East's 'dysfunctional' police forces, where public confidence in policing has been repeatedly tested by numerous national scandals and increasing demands for the forces of both Durham & Cleveland to be disbanded.
With the watchdog set to keep the force under close watch, Durham Constabulary must now prove that its promised reforms can produce a vetting and counter-corruption system that meets national standards and rebuilds public confidence — avoiding the loss of trust that has surrounded neighbouring Cleveland Police, where years of controversy have left many residents questioning whether those tasked with upholding the law have instead become part of the problem.
