Eleven Police Service of Northern Ireland officers failed developed vetting over the past five years. Developed vetting represents the highest level, known as Level 6 within the PSNI. Officers must pass five prior vetting levels before applying.

This vetting applies to designated roles. These include positions in the Public Protection Branch handling child abuse and domestic abuse cases. Close Protection Unit duties also require it. Officers managing sensitive intelligence need it as well.

Developed vetting protects national security assets. It ensures integrity for those accessing protectively marked government materials. It covers access to sites and persons at risk of terrorist attack.

The PSNI requires this vetting for officers in close contact with vulnerable people. This includes children and individuals with mobility problems or mental health issues.

The PSNI obtained these figures through a Freedom of Information request. The force could not confirm if the officers remain in their posts after failing.

No official policy dictates whether officers stay in place after failure. Local management handles referrals. The PSNI states it remains highly unlikely for them to continue in designated posts.

A designated post demands vetting beyond standard police vetting, such as developed vetting. The PSNI manages concerns case by case. This includes operational deployment, welfare, and security needs.