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More than 20 police officers continue to serve across North Wales despite being convicted of crimes which include assault, drug possession and animal cruelty.

A Freedom of Information request by the Daily Post has revealed that 23 currently serving North Wales Police officers have criminal convictions, with nine officers getting a criminal record before joining the force.

One officer was employed despite being convicted for assault in 1984, while others joined the force with convictions for offences ranging from drunk and disorderly to obtaining property by deception.

A total of 14 officers gained criminal convictions after they joined North Wales Police.

One officer was convicted of common assault in 2001 and another was convicted of assault in 2011, while two officers were convicted of animal cruelty in 2008.

Other convictions include crimes under the data protection act, criminal damage, excess alcohol and various motoring offences, including careless driving, speeding, not possessing a driving licence and using a mobile phone while driving.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: “North Wales Police have vigorous recruitment vetting procedures which include a convictions check.

“Where convictions details exist, they are verified and then considered in line with the Home Office National Recruitment Standards Eligibility Criteria. Details can be found on policecouldyou.co.uk.

“North Wales Police are continually reviewing and updating their vetting procedures in respect of newly recruited and existing staff.”

Winston Roddick, North Wales’ Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am satisfied with the present vetting procedures of North Wales Police, which are carried out in accordance with Home Office guidelines.”

Let's hope they have learned their lesson and are now pillars of society.

Wonder if they are allowed to play for the Police football team?