SEVEN police officers with criminal records are still serving in the force.

Figures released through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that officers convicted of drink driving, dangerous driving, hit and run and public order offences remain on duty in Lancashire.

One officer was convicted in 2002 of failing to stop at the scene of an accident and report it.

Another was convicted of a public order offence in 1989 and three of them for drink driving, one for careless driving and one – in 2010 – for dangerous driving.

The figures make up part of the 900 police officers still on duty despite having criminal records across the 43 forces in England and Wales.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said officers who commit offences while they are police officers always face an investigation.

He added: “We expect the highest of professional standards from our employees and the majority are proud to deliver that on a daily basis.

“We aim to deliver a quality policing service to the public of Lancashire and when an officer’s conduct, on duty or off duty, falls below the standards, there will be an investigation into what has occurred and if the allegation is proven then appropriate action will be taken.

“All officers are subject to the standards of professional behaviour set out in the Police Conduct Regulations.

"The regulations are very clear and state that police officers must be honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position.”

One serving Lancashire PC admitted dangerous driving but kept his licence and his job after a high-speed smash in Brierfield in August 2009 which left a man with whiplash injuries.