Six South Australian police officers arrested after ICAC probe

Six South Australian police officers have been arrested this morning over alleged thefts following investigations by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

The officers are from the Sturt LSA Mantle team and will be charged with property theft offences and abuse of public office.

Police Commissioner Gary Burns said the thefts were related to "anything from liquor to tools, that kind of thing".

The SA Police Anti-Corruption Branch launched a joint investigation with ICAC chief, Justice Bruce Lander, in February of this year.

The Mantle strikeforce investigates low-level drug dealing.

Mr Burns said there was no suggestion the officers had stolen drugs.

He said the arrests came after police became aware of "irregularities" in the officers' team.

All of those arrested are from the seven-man Sturt branch of the team, with the remaining officer still being interviewed as part of an ongoing investigation.

One of the arrested officers is a sergeant, while the others are senior constables and constables, Mr Burns said.

Police will allege the officers “were working together” when the alleged crimes were committed.

“This is isolated to a small group of people,” Mr Burns said.

Upon being made aware of the allegations, Justice Lander said he personally took control of the inquiry.

“I’ve had the opportunity of follow the investigation throughout since January-February this year and I’ve been impressed by the professionalism of the anti-corruption branch,” he said.