Police force arrests 35 officers

A total of 35 West Midlands police officers have been arrested in the past year, it has been revealed today.

Their alleged crimes include cases of assault as well as incidents of shoplifting and drink driving.

The figures were released to the Express & Star after a freedom of information request and show a total of 24 police constables have been arrested between November 2006 and October 2007, as well as six special constables, two sergeants, two support staff and one detective constable.

Five arrests were in Wolverhampton east (Wednesfield), the highest count in any operational command unit of the force.

Another two arrests were made in Walsall and a further two in the Sandwell area. Other arrests were made in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Coventry.

Most of the arrests were over allegations of assault - a total of 20 - three were made in respect of disorder and three were made in relation to drink driving.

Two arrests were made in relation to public order issues, one for conspiracy to defraud, one for criminal damage and harrasment, one for customs and excise, one for disorderly behaviour and assault, one for excess alcohol, one for excess alcohol and drink driving.

Ten have led to charges and 12 are still under investigation. Another 12 have not been charged as a result of their arrest.

Four officers resigned during misconduct hearings, one was required to resign after a hearing and one resigned before a misconduct hearing.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Jaspreet Jagdev said: "West Midlands Police expects the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

"The fact some individuals are being dealt with via the force's disciplinary and/or criminal justice process demonstrates the organisation's commitment to upholding standards."

By Helen Cartwright