Seven Islington Police officers have criminal convictions
Seven police officers are serving in Islington despite having criminal convictions, the Gazette can reveal.
One officer was found guilty of a violent attack and the rest were convicted of traffic offences that include drink driving and speeding.
All were convicted while they were serving officers – even though their jobs are to uphold the law.
Road safety campaigner Caroline Russell, chairman of Islington Living Streets, said: “Their behaviour looks hypocritical. We expect police to have respect for the law.”
The revelation was made in response to a request under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
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Islington police refused to comment or disclose further details about the cases. But it is known that the officer convicted of a violent offence was made to resign, before being reinstated on appeal.
Of the other six, one was found guilty of drink driving, three of speeding, one of driving without insurance and one of driving without due care and attention.
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None of the seven faced jail, but three lost their driving licences and two received points.
All received at least a written warning from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
Ms Russell added: “Drink driving, speeding, driving without due care – these can all result in death and serious injury.
“It’s quite shocking that people engaged in policing our streets have been convicted of such serious offences. It explains why they don’t seem to take driving offences very seriously.”
Police recently said they would not enforce a borough-wide 20mph speed limit on main roads.
Cllr Terry Stacy, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Islington Council, said: “I don’t know the individual circumstances, but I have always been a great believer in rehabilitation.”
Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, said: “I do believe people should be allowed to be rehabilitated, but if it happens while someone’s serving in office it’s a completely different thing.”
MPS information manager Margaret Bunker said: “The service treats each occasion when an employee receives a criminal conviction extremely seriously and will, in each instance, review the suitability of that employee to continue to serve with the MPS.”
