POLICE officers across Wales have been involved in a shocking range of crimes in the past three years.
On Sunday investigation has found that officers have been caught red-handed committing the very crimes they are paid with taxpayers’ money to prevent.
Some officers were even accused of carrying out crimes while they were on the beat.
Using Freedom of Information legislation, we asked Wales’ four police forces to break down the number of times officers had been arrested, charged and convicted of criminal offences over the past three years.
Dyfed-Powys Police charged two of their officers for possessing child pornography – while others were quizzed for alleged sex assault, threats to kill and forgery. Seven in 10 of their police officer arrests ended in conviction.
A total of 22 officers were held by South Wales Police between 2005 and the end of last year, for alleged crimes including possession of class A drugs, stealing from their own police force, intimidating witnesses, arson and threatening behaviour.
Meanwhile North Wales Police convicted their officers of common assault, using a mobile phone while at the wheel and other driving offences. Others were held over corruption and for getting out of hand while they were meant to be on duty. The force said they were constantly checking to make sure their staff met strict criteria.
They said: “North Wales Police have rigorous vetting procedures which includes a convictions check. North Wales Police are continually reviewing and updating their vetting procedures in respect of newly recruited and existing staff.
“Recruitment and vetting is held securely in individual files.”
Gwent Police was the force with the best track record. None of their officers was arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offences over the three year period.
Monmouthshire MP David Davies, who is also special constable for the British Transport Police, said it was important for officers to remember the importance of their role in society. He said: “If you are a police officer you are expected to adhere to a high standard at all times, but it is important not to generalise. There are no excuses for anyone who commits any type of crime, particularly possession of child pornography or drugs.
“There will be a small percentage of any organisation who will transgress, but the police forces have bluntly told me that they will do everything they can to find them and root them out.”
David Lindley, deputy chief constable of Leicestershire and Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on performance and conduct regulations, said that vast majority of police officers could be trusted to abide by the law, and that the figures needed to be viewed in context.
He said: “The police service expects good conduct and probity from its officers and staff at all times, and when we fall below that high standard we will investigate.
“The figures should be seen in the context of the overall number of police officers, the overwhelming majority of whom serve the public with dedication.
“They also demonstrate that police officers are treated no differently to other people when wrongdoing is alleged.”
The charges they faced.
The alleged crimes that police were arrested, charged and convicted of during the past three years.
Arson
Threats to kill
Forgery
Possession of indecent images
Driving with excess alcohol
Sexual assault
Corruption
Breach of data protection
Use of a mobile phone while driving
Speeding
Careless driving
Common assault
Failure to comply with traffic light
Assault
Common assault
Intimidating a witness
Theft
Possession of a class A drug
Section 20 wounding
Misconduct in public office
Threatening behaviour
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