Last night’s season two premiere of Cops Gone Bad (17/02), hosted by Will Mellor, delivered a sobering look at the harrowing cases of police officers abusing their authority to harm those they were sworn to protect. It’s an uncomfortable but necessary exploration of trust, accountability and the systems designed to prevent unsuitable candidates from entering critical roles, writes Tim Stokes, pictured, Sales Director at the employment and reference checking agency Matrix Security Watchdog.
Yet, for those of us in the screening industry it’s sadly no surprise to learn that a lack of adequate vetting has resulted in devastating consequences – for individuals and communities alike. One of the show’s critical questions is this: How do we stop letting bad apples slip through the net? This is the very essence of why vetting and rescreening must evolve into fundamental, ongoing processes across all organisations – not just policing.
More than one-time
Many of the failures highlighted in the show stem from inadequate or outdated vetting processes. Cliff Mitchell, for example, passed his initial police vetting despite previous accusations of rape. This failure exposed a gap in the system that should never have existed.
It raises the vital need for continuous screening and not just a one-time check at the point of hiring. Screening and rescreening should be viewed as dynamic processes designed to adapt as new information comes to light. It’s essential to monitor behavioural changes or new risks that may emerge over time, especially in roles that hold power over vulnerable people.
Every organisation
Screening is more than just compliance. It’s about fostering an environment of trust, safety and accountability. Whether in law enforcement, healthcare, education or corporate environments, every individual should feel safe in their workplace or when interacting with those in positions of authority. As Will Mellor states, “One bad apple is too many.” Even one unchecked failure can erode public trust in an entire system.
Robust vetting also protects the integrity of those doing their jobs honourably. As the series reminds viewers, it’s good police work that brings the guilty to justice. Screening creates a protective barrier that not only prevents potential abuse but also supports and elevates the work of those committed to doing good.
Prevention through technology and insight
The very best and most secure screening is rooted in a fine balance of technology and human insight. Automated checks can provide speed, accuracy and consistency in gathering critical data. Screening platforms, now readily available and easy to use, offer organisations self-service options as well as expert guidance when needed. This ensures that organisations of all sizes and levels of complexity can implement robust screening practices.
However, in sensitive or complex cases, human judgement is crucial. A nuanced understanding of behavioural patterns – like those explored by psychologist Serena Simmons in the series – can help identify red flags that automated systems may miss. Blending automation with human oversight creates a layered approach that enhances both efficiency and security.
Continuous screening
The stories in the latest season of Cops Gone Bad reveal to the public once again the systemic cracks that must be addressed. But the solution lies not just in exposing past failures – critically, it’s about future prevention. We must embed continuous screening into our culture to protect organisations and communities. Ultimately, trust isn’t just built by catching those who fail us – it’s sustained by ensuring the dishonourable are never given an opportunity in the first place. When screening is done right, everyone wins.
