18 officers were suspended over alleged corruption

The PSNI confirmed the suspensions were initiated between 2009 and 2014.

“The Police Service expects its staff to behave professionally, ethically and with the utmost integrity at all times,” the PSNI stated.

“Any conduct, whether on or off duty, which brings or is likely to bring discredit on the Police Service will be investigated in order to establish whether or not a breach of the Code of Ethics has occurred.

“The decision to suspend an officer is only taken in exceptional circumstances after all other options, including ‘alternative duties’, have been considered,” the police confirmed.

The PSNI pointed out that not all of the officers suspended face or are facing criminal or misconduct proceedings.

Equally, the police said the number was quite small against a workforce of around 7,500 officers.