FIFTY-FOUR police officers and special constables working for Thames Valley Police have previous convictions, including burglary, assault and arson.

The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, relate to crimes which were all committed by officers before they joined the force.

Crimes include one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three burglary convictions, six for being drunk and disorderly, five for criminal damage, two drugs offences and one weapon charge.

Force security manager Susan Murphy said: “Recruitment since 2004 has been carried out under the National Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) vetting policy which all police forces must adhere to."

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People with convictions for murder, rape, manslaughter, kidnapping and firearms offences are immediately disqualified.

She said: “It provides guidance on what offences are acceptable.

“It takes into account the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, the severity of the crime, how long ago it took place among other factors.

“There is a list of offences which automatically exclude candidates and applicants are made aware of these at recruitment stage.”

The ACPO advises forces to treat applicants with previous convictions on a case-by-case basis.

Ms Murphy said some of the convictions, including ABH, arson, burglary and drug possession, took place before the introduction of the national vetting policy. She added: “Before applicants with any criminal history are considered for employment, they are subjected to extra screening.”

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