AT LEAST 30 North-East police officers have been arrested by their colleagues in the past two-and-a-half years.

Freedom of Information requests have revealed that officers have been arrested for actual bodily harm, racially-aggravated harassment, and unlawful wounding. At least eight have been arrested for drink driving.

Police chiefs say figures show officers are not above the law.

The Northern Echo asked the region's four forces - Cleveland, Durham, Northumbria, and North Yorkshire - the following questions:

* How many officers were arrested by colleagues in 2005, last year, and so far this year?

* What was the offence?

* Where did it take place?

* What was the outcome?

Northumbria Police arrested 19 of its officers, including five special constables.

Of those, ten saw no further action taken, including officers arrested for assault, criminal damage and unlawful wounding.

Of the four charged, three were for drink-driving, and one for assault causing actual bodily harm.

In Durham, eight officers were arrested - and seven subsequently resigned. Only an officer arrested for harassment last year kept his job.

North Yorkshire Police only disclosed that two officers had been arrested since March 27 last year, saying cost prevented further disclosures.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said searching their records would exceed 18 hours, the limit set in the Freedom of Information Act regulations.

Ivor Jones, a Cleveland Police officer, was jailed for eight years in June 2005, for the manslaughter of his wife, Maria. He was sacked six weeks later.

Officers are not automatically suspended on arrest, or conviction, although any officer found guilty is subject to a misconduct procedure.

Northumbria Police Deputy Chief Constable David Warcup said: "The vast majority of Northumbria Police officers and staff act with the utmost integrity and professionalism at all times. However, we respond robustly when any employee is suspected of behaving in a way not in keeping with those high standards.

"All allegations of wrong-doing by officers are rigorously investigated so appropriate action can be taken."

Durham Police Chief Inspector Bruce Turnbull said: "If there is an arrest, it doesn't mean the officer is guilty - it means they need to be detained to remove a risk or allow an interview. If an arrest is to be made, regardless of who it is, we expect our officers to make it. It's about maintaining integrity and public confidence.