11:55am Tuesday 18th November 2008
SIX Hampshire police officers and four civilian staff have kept their jobs after receiving criminal convictions, it has emerged.
They are among dozens of officers were found to have committed a number of offences including violent attacks, possessing a cannabis plant and discharging a firearm, as revealed by the Daily Echo yesterday.
Police chiefs said that there are currently 31 officers with a criminal record covering a total of 43 offences. Of this total 21 had previous convictions for crimes including benefit fraud, possession of an offensive weapon and theft before they were given a job on the force.
Deputy Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “All members of Hampshire Constabulary must demonstrate the highest professional standards as expected by the public of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
A police spokesman added: “It is exceptionally rare for anyone in the police service to keep their job if convicted of a criminal offence.
“The vast majority of these offences were committed as young people and date back more than 30 years to 1974.
“Police recruits are not barred from appointment to the police service solely on the basis of a previous conviction, and the Home Office provides national guidance in this regard.
“All those with convictions are both eligible and suitable for their roles in the police force.”
The Daily Echo’s revelations led Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne to question whether police officers with convictions could be relied on in court to give evidence.
Geoff Crowe, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, said: “It would be a real shame if they were barred from joining the police force for life because of something they did when they were younger.”
He added that other forces may have a more draconian view of taking on police officers with convictions with some having a blanket ban.
Paul West, from the Association of Chief Police Officers, confirmed that an officer guilty of misconduct could be punished with reprimand, fines, a reduction in rank or even dismissal.
THE six serving officers received convictions for the following offences since they have joined the force:
April 1997 – Disclosing data
May 1998 – Excess alcohol (off duty)
February 2001 – Common assault (off duty)
Feb 2003 – Excess alcohol (off duty)
April 2006 – Drunk and disorderly (off duty)
Feb 2007 – Common assault
The four serving police staff received convictions for the following offences:
Nov 2006 – Excess alcohol
March 2007 – Common assault
August 2007 – Criminal damage/ public disorder (one incident)
June 2008 – Excess alcohol
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