More than two dozen serving police officers in North Wales have a criminal conviction.
North Wales Police confirmed that 25 of their officers have a conviction for offences including assault, animal cruelty, drug possession and more.
The figure was revealed in a freedom of information (FOI) request published by Sky News.
The force did not specify whether or not the convictions were obtained before the individual became an officer.
The FOI revealed that, of the forces who provided data, NWP has the second-highest number of serving officers with criminal convictions.
But two-thirds of police forces across the UK refused to submit their figures.
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said that having a criminal record has "never been an automatic bar to joining the police" and insisted officers are vetted "throughout their service".
The most common conviction among NWP officers is disorderly behaviour - with three constables and two PSCOs convicted of the offence.
Convictions for assault and 'drunk and disorderly' behaviour followed in second place - with four officers convicted.
Two constables and two PCSOs were convicted of drunk and disorderly behaviour. One sergeant, two constables and one PCSO have assault convictions.
Read the full list of offences here:
Assault - A sergeant, two constables and a PCSO
Disorderly behaviour - Three constables and two PCSOs
Drunk and disorderly - Two constables and two PCSOs
Criminal damage - Three constables
Drug possession - A sergeant and a constable
Cruelty to animals - A sergeant and a constable
Obtaining property by deception - A constable
Data protection offence - A constable
Excess alcohol - A constable
S4 public order act offence - A constable
Buying alcohol while underage - A constable
Superintendent Nick Evans of North Wales Police's Professional Standards Department said: "The standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers are quite appropriately amongst the highest of any profession in this country, and as such there will be relatively few serving officers with criminal convictions.
"As a force we are proud of our exceptional workforce who serve our communities on a daily basis and strive to make North Wales the safest place in the UK. There are, for various reasons a small number of officers within the force with criminal convictions.
"North Wales Police abides by a stringent national vetting code of practice, but there are occasions where those who have a criminal conviction prior to applying to the organisation are permitted to join in exceptional circumstances. Likewise, the Police Conduct Regulations are particularly robust and will, dependent on nature and seriousness, usually result in a serving officer who receives a criminal conviction, leaving the organisation.
"The force follows the College of Policing guidance on outcomes in police misconduct proceedings to ensure consistency of outcomes across police forces."
Chief Constable Craig Guildford, the NPCC's lead for professional standards, said: "Applicants must declare their convictions and every case is assessed and considered by vetting departments using national guidance.
"We review what someone was convicted of, the sentence they received, how old they were at the time, what the circumstances were and how long ago it was. We also re-vet officers throughout their service and have higher levels of vetting for particular posts.
"The vast majority of police officers and staff fulfil their duties in serving the public to the highest standard."
