Officers enter force with far too much conviction

THEY have criminal records for drug dealing, robbery, driving offences, assault and theft. And all are serving police officers.

Essex police have admitted that 25 officers have convictions. A total of 10 offences were committed while the officers were serving and include dangerous driving, criminal damage and battery as well as common assault. The remainder were employed in the full knowledge of previous convictions.

The details were released after a Freedom of Information request.One sergeant has record for possession and supply of cannabis.

Tony Rayner, chairman of the Essex branch of the Police Federation, said: "If they have kept their jobs there were very special circumstances."