SEVEN police officers and 14 civilians working for Cambridgeshire Police have been sacked in the past five years for offences including dishonesty, drink driving and making racist comments.

In addition 76 officers and sergeants have been disciplined.

Their offences range from racially discriminatory behaviour to a displaying a lack of politeness and tolerance, as well as abusing their authority by using unnecessary force.

It has also been revealed that 51 civilians working for Cambridgeshire Police were disciplined between April 2006 and March of this year for offences including attending work while smelling of alcohol, assaulting colleagues, excessive internet use and “inappropriate behaviour”.

MP for Cambridge Julian Huppert described the figures as “regrettable”.

He said: “A strong and professional police service is essential for upholding the rule of law.

“Cambridgeshire Constabulary is generally doing a very good job but I’m especially concerned about the racial nature of some of the offences.

Benjamyn Damazer, chairman of the professional standards committee of Cambridgeshire Police Authority, said his member “dip sample complaint and misconduct files”.

They are able to satisfy themselves that police are dealing with matters as they should, including, where appropriate, learning from both good and bad experiences.

“The authority is satisfied that the professional standards department is robust and fair in its investigations,” he said.

“Where matters are unclear, the department routinely makes voluntary referrals to the Independent Police Complaints Commission for guidance as to how best to proceed.”