Kent police have one of the highest rates for employing officers with a criminal record - second only to the Met!

A total of 49 serving police officers or community support officers have been sentenced for a crime in the county.

Only the Met police - Britiain's largest police force - has a higher rate of convictions among its staff: with 356 officers and 41 PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) with convictions.

In Kent, the convictions include a Pc convicted of perverting the course of justice in 1998.

Nationally, nearly 1,000 serving police officers and community support officers have a criminal record.

The convictions include burglary, causing death by careless driving, and supplying drugs.

The details have been released by 33 of the 43 forces in England and Wales in response to Freedom of Information requests.

Home Office guidelines issued in 2003 say police officers should have "proven integrity" because they are vulnerable to pressure from criminals to reveal information.

The guidance says forces should reject potential recruits with convictions for serious offences - including causing actual bodily harm, burglary, dangerous driving and supplying drugs - unless there are "exceptionally compelling circumstances".