More than a dozen officers with criminal convictions
Suffolk: 13 Suffolk police officers have criminal convictions
By Colin Adwent
and Craig Robinson
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
12:00 PM
POLICE today defended their recruitment and disciplinary procedures after it emerged that 13 serving Suffolk officers have criminal convictions.
One was a convicted shoplifter when they were taken on by the force. Another committed actual bodily harm while already serving with the constabulary.
The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request, but do not make a distinction between police officers and police community support officers.
Among the other offences are convictions for drink-driving, common assault, threatening behaviour, careless driving, and criminal damage.
Ten officers have been convicted during their service, while three committed offences prior to joining Suffolk Constabulary.
A spokeswoman for the force’s Professional Standards Department said: “Every criminal conviction is referred to the Professional Standards Department and carefully considered against the standards of professional behaviour.
“Wherever it is felt that an officer has discredited the constabulary as a whole, and not just themselves, then misconduct proceedings are considered.
“Proposed action has to be carefully weighed up in the light of considerations such as the complainant’s views, the officer’s previous misconduct record, whether the criminal sanction could be considered suitable punishment of itself, and, most importantly, the severity of the offence.
“Each case is judged on its individual merits and where the behaviour is so serious as to warrant the officer losing their job then gross misconduct proceedings are instigated.
“While the outcome of that process can result in dismissal, mitigation is presented, and there are other sanctions available to the panel considering the case.”
In relation to recruiting people who may have convictions the constabulary stressed cases were also treated on their merits and the criteria used is within national protocols.
Simon Reed, vice-president of the Police Federation, said: “Most police officers are dismissed if they commit a crime. It may be easy to condemn some cases, but there will be specific reasons these people have been kept on.”
Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said although the number of officers involved was small, he was surprised that anyone serving with the police has a criminal record.
He added: “I hope there are very strong mitigating factors in each case. I would understand if someone convicted of very low level vandalism in their youth might be given a second chance.
“In general I am in favour of rehabilitation. But, the police are different and require very high standards, especially with regards to public confidence.”
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9 comments
It is good recruitment practice to select the best person for the job and then risk assess the relevance of any convictions that they might have. There is a huge talented pool of ex-offenders who cannot get jobs because of negative stereotyping. The police are well placed to conduct such risk assessments. Well done Police. www.recruitwithconviction.org
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Richard Thomson
Thursday, January 5, 2012
i was disgusted to read this report. how can criminals try to keep law and order. i cannot believe that officers with assault convictions are still police officers. i know of incidents where people have been arrested and over excessive force has been used causing injuries but no further action is taken. this proves that this behaviour is obviously acceptable by employing violent officers. we as tax payers pay their wages and do we want to employ people like this when convictions have to be declared at job interviews and less important jobs are declined because of minor offences. its a disgrace.
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teresa chaplin
Thursday, January 5, 2012
I am shocked by this; can the public opinion of the police be driven any lower?
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Johnthebap
Thursday, January 5, 2012
To date, it is my experience that some police officers may be too busy to actually record what REALLY does take place when they are busy! As for their previous convictions...everyone does deserve a second chance, this does however need to be displayed when they deal with the public, especially when they attempt to help and give needed first aid treatment (that appears to be beyond their capabilities!) sometimes they should step back and listen to those who are adequately trained! Not everyone who steps up to the mark is in capable! Understand and accept your limitations! Accept help from those who truly care and recognise their help for what it truly is! You can be a valued and revered force....PLEASE don't devalue it!
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It is me really
Thursday, January 5, 2012
is it any wonder why we can't trust the police!!!!
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Ros Francis
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Are you surprised?
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spanisharmada
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
After all the work done by police officers about drink driving, I'm astonished that Suffolk Police employs anyone convicted that offence. Clearly the in-house Professional Standards Dept is too lenient, and we need legislation for a new, national PSD.
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EN Heath
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Not me. I think you'll find Bill Plod to be completely impeccable, unless they make breaking wind a criminal offence.
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PC Plod
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Ben Gummer ..."In general I am in favour of rehabilitation. But, the police are different and require very high standards, especially with regards to public confidence" ................either you believe in rehabilitation or you don't!
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Ruby
Wednesday, January 4, 2012