Altogether 105 police officers in 19 out of 43 forces are under investigation.

They include high-ranking officers such as superintendents and detective chief inspectors.

London's Metropolitan Police has by far the greatest problem with 51 officers suspended.

The survey results come days after Home Secretary Jack Straw warned senior officers that a "corrupt few" were damaging the reputation of a majority of honest members of the force.

In Gwent, one superintendent has been charged with offences relating to expenses fraud and three detective chief inspectors in other forces are under investigation.

Anti-corruption squads far and few between

The Times also revealed that only five forces have set up special anti-corruption units and eight have confidential hotlines for officers.

Many forces are reported to have said they had no corruption problem and others that they did not need special anti-corruption units because police officers themselves would volunteer information.

Scotland Yard recently set up CIB3 to look into police dishonesty.

One Met officer has been convicted and dismissed for burglary and drug offences.

Eight others face various charges of theft, taking the proceeds from a robbery and perverting the course of justice.

South Yorkshire, with 11 officers under scrutiny, came second followed by Cleveleland with eight and the West Midlands with seven.

Cheshire Constabulary refused to take part in the survey.

Forces with officers suspended or charged are: