More than 100 police officers and civilian staff have resigned or retired while under investigation by West Midlands Police, it has been revealed.

And a total of 26 employees admitted or were convicted of criminal offences – while a further eight received cautions.

Two police officers under investigation have remained suspended on fully pay since 2010, eight since 2011 and two this year.

A Freedom of Information request to West Midlands Police revealed 111 officers, PCSOs and civilian staff resigned or retired while under investigation between 2009 and 2012.

The ranks of the police officers included three inspectors, one chief superintendent, three detective constables and 11 sergeants.

Of the 111 cases, a total of 51 employees were accused of discreditable conduct, while 22 faced allegations relating to honesty and integrity.

Nine were being investigated over alleged failings to carry out duties and responsibilities, while seven were accused of not following orders and instructions.

One police community support officer (PCSO) was accused of corrupt practice, and one cop faced allegations of oppressive conduct or harassment.

Two other police officers were being investigated over assault claims.

Of the 111 employees who left while under investigation, the force determined that there were 74 cases to answer, including 48 against police officers. Nine cases are still ongoing.

Other figures released reveal that 36 West Midlands Police employees were sacked following misconduct hearings since 2009 - including 19 police officers.

Thirty-three employees, including 23 police officers, were found culpable of dishonest behaviour at misconduct hearings.

And a total of 91 workers received written warnings following internal disciplinary proceedings in the four years, while 58 were given management advice.

All misconduct investigations into force employees end if they resign or retire.

A police authority can only apply to take a pension from a police officer in certain circumstances, including treason, offences under the Official Secrets Act, or convicted of any offence connected to their job, and if they have been jailed for ten years or more.

If a police officer is sacked the force can disclose that fact to future employers, but if they retire or resign during an investigation the force can state that they were facing disciplinary proceedings at the time they left.

Meanwhile, in a witness statement given to the Leveson Inquiry earlier this year, Chief Constable Chris Sims revealed that 354 investigations had been carried out into ‘inappropriate information disclosure’ by force employees to friends, family and others.

Three police officers have been imprisoned and a total of six convicted at court.

Ian Edwards, Chairman of West Midlands Police Federation, said: ‘‘There are certain circumstances where officers have left the force and let themselves down with regards to the office they hold.

‘‘In certain circumstances it is right and proper for corrupt officers to lose a percentage of their pension, if not all.

‘‘But there are many circumstances where officers should not lose any of their pensions where they have committed offences or misconduct which were not connected to their job.’’

Chief Superintendent Rachel Jones, from West Midlands Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “An employee may offer their resignation but we do not have to accept it... even if they do resign we can still pursue any criminal matters against them and make a pension forfeiture application to the Home Office subject to their criteria.

“In some cases it may be in the public interest to accept a police officer’s resignation rather than going through a potentially long, expensive inquiry which is costly to the public purse.

“Should anyone resign with disciplinary matters pending or in progress it will be officially recorded that they resigned whilst under investigation and would be disclosed to any prospective future employers should they contact us for a reference.”