One hundred and sixty eight serving members of Victoria Police have criminal convictions it was revealed recently. They have been convicted of offences including serious assaults, trafficking and possession of drugs,theft, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office.The release of these figures coincides with new laws making it easier to sack policeare to be dedated in Parliament this week.

The changes to the Police Regulations Act will strengthen the dismissal process not only for matters of criminal behaviour but for misconduct,persistent poor performance and the loss of confidence by the Chief Commissioner. Assistant Commissioner Luke Corneliu, head of the Ethical standards Department, said the criminal figures confirmed the force was getting better at catching and convicting members who did the wrong thing.

"The community can take comfort from the fact that we are getting better at catching our own and holding those who do the wrong thing accountable" he said. Mr Cornelius said 16 of the 168 police who had either pleaded guilty or been found guilty of criminal offences had committed serious assaults. He said 49 were found guilty of theft. The figures should heighten awareness for all employers to continue to screen employees on a regular basis.