THE inquiry into alleged corruption within Cleveland Police has resulted in 400 criminal allegations against officers, it was revealed last night.
Operation Lancet, which lasted for three years and cost more than £3m, also led to 190 disciplinary notices being served.
Eight officers from Middlesbrough CID remain suspended following the inquiry.
Last night, the Press Complaints Authority (PCA), which revealed the figures on its website, attempted to play down their significance.
Richard Offer, of the PCA, said: "The allegations and the number of them are well known.
"They started off with an allegation that controlled drugs were supplied to a prisoner and there have also been allegations that members of the public were assaulted."
No major criminal charges were ever laid as a result of Lancet, including none against suspended "zero tolerance" police chief Ray Mallon.
However, files from the inquiry remain in the hands of the Crown Prosecution Service, which are said to need additional work
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