Randy coppers in New Zealand waste so much time surfing for porn while on the job that fully 20 per cent of police computer system capacity is devoted to storing the images, an official audit has revealed.

The investigation, begun five months ago, found vast reams of sexually-explicit material, some involving violence or simulated violence, and some even involving bestiality. The material in question was discovered accidentally, during an investigation of alleged police misconduct unrelated to porn surfing.

Staff hoarding images described by Police Commissioner Rob Robinson as "shockers" include a superintendent, three inspectors, and about 40 women officers or civilian staff, the New Zealand Herald reports.

"These are not mere nudity. They are sexually-explicit images of sex acts," the paper quotes him as saying.

Some images may be bad enough to warrant criminal prosecutions, the paper says, although the authorities deny that any kiddie porn has been found. Other semi-legal content may inspire a hearty round of dismissals. ®