Exclusive by Alex Claridge

The number of serving police officers in the county with
criminal convictions is 47, we can exclusively
reveal.

Crimes committed include assaults, drink-driving, criminal
damage, failing to report an accident, speeding and using a mobile
phone while driving.

One east Kent constable, whose patch includes Canterbury,
Whitstable and Herne Bay, has a conviction for perverting the
course of justice.

The revelations come after a Freedom of Information Act request by the Kentish Gazette.

Other information released by Kent Police shows that as of January 1, 2010 there were 16 officers up to rank of inspector suspended from their jobs.

Reasons for suspensions included problems with honesty and
integrity, offences of disreputable conduct and the commission of
crimes.

And since May last year, two constables and two sergeants in the county have been sacked for assault, ticket touting, breaching the Data Protection Act and criminal damage.

In a statement ACC Allyn Thomas said: "We expect the highest standards from our officers and staff.

"Our staff are expected to work to the standard of professional
behaviour which upholds honesty and integrity, authority, respect
and courtesy, equality and diversity and use of restraint.

"We regularly check our staff are carrying out their duties
appropriately and we have in place rigorous procedures if officers
or staff fail to meet the required standard.

"Our professional standards team have a strict protocol to
follow when undertaking an internal investigation, which would run
alongside any criminal proceedings if necessary.

"No one is above the law and when individuals have failed to
maintain the standards that we expect or have abused the position
of trust placed upon them, we will act accordingly and enforce the
law."

Mr Thomas went on: "The fact we have removed officers from Kent
Police shows there are occasions where dismissal has been the only
appropriate course of action.

"Officers and staff who break the law but do not lose their jobs
are considered on a case-by-case basis and could be removed from
certain roles or limited to certain duties for a period of
time."