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Freedom of information figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that more than 1,000 serving police officers have a criminal record.
The convictions include 59 for assault, three for burglary and 93 for dishonesty, including perverting the course of justice.
Responding to the figures, Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne called on the police to "get tough on bad apples".
The total of 1,063 officers with criminal records were revealed in the survey of 41 out of 52 forces.
And over 210 officers have resigned or been fired from their position since 2004 due to their criminal convictions.
Huhne told the Sun newspaper: "I can't see how an officer convicted of dishonesty can perform duties effectively. Any prosecutor would be reluctant to call them as a witness for fear of being taken apart by the defence."
But the Association of Chief Police Officers said that police officers convicted of criminal activity did not automatically lose their jobs.
Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Where an officer has committed misconduct, a range of disciplinary actions can be taken including a reprimand, fine and reduction in rank or dismissal. Each case is judged on its merits."
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd