An internal police investigation has been launched after footage emerged allegedly showing officers performing joyrider-style stunts in a patrol car and waving a gun in the air, it was revealed tonight.
Four Police Service of Northern Ireland officers have been suspended and four of their colleagues repositioned after the service became aware of video phone clips of the incidents.
The footage shows what appears to be PSNI vehicles spinning wildly with tyres smoking in a "donut" manoeuvre.
The videos captured a number of alleged incidents both within police grounds and in public areas.
It is understood all the officers were members of the service's special firearms unit.
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton said a criminal investigation has been initiated.
"The Police Service is rightly proud of its reputation for professionalism, ethical behaviour and service to the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
"That has produced high levels of public confidence.
"Sadly, there are always some individuals who intentionally, or unintentionally, have a disregard for that reputation.
"I can confirm that the Police Service has launched an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct of a small number of officers.
"It involves the filming, using a mobile phone, of inappropriate behaviour by a number of officers." Mr Leighton said the internal probe was being headed up by the PSNI's Professional Standards Department.
"As of today four officers have been suspended and three have been repositioned pending further inquiries into the incident," he said.
The Deputy Chief Constable said he could not provide further details of the incident while the criminal investigation was ongoing.
"The service is proud of its reputation for delivering a professional policing service to the people of Northern Ireland," he added.
"We will not tolerate wrongdoing of any nature or inappropriate behaviour of any description.
"I can assure you that we will take robust and effective action against any officer who through careless disregard or deliberate malice seeks to damage that reputation."
It is understood the alleged incident involving the handgun took place on PSNI property.
Sir Desmond Rea, chairman of the PSNI's independent monitoring body, the Northern Ireland Policing Board, welcomed the service's swift response to the allegations.
"Such alleged behaviour is completely unacceptable, transgresses the Code of Ethics and besmirches the reputation of the PSNI as a whole," he said.
"The chair and vice chair of the Board were informed on Monday of the alleged behaviour and have been kept informed by the Chief Constable as the investigation progressed.
"As a criminal investigation is ongoing, it in inappropriate to discuss this case in further detail.
"The Board exists to hold the PSNI to account through the Chief Constable and we will be seeking a full report from the Chief Constable.
"Our community has the right to expect the highest standards of behaviour from police officers and for them to stay within the law which they have a duty to uphold.
"The Code of Ethics sets out the high standards of professional and ethical behaviour required of officers, which all officers are bound by; and it is important that those who do not meet the high standards are dealt with robustly."
PA