BURY Police's second-in-command is under internal investigation after using the force's surveillance unit to snoop on his own officers.

Superintendent Steve Westcott, 48, used the expertise of the ten-strong plain clothes team for six hours to secretly monitor the work of two Bury-based women constables.

PCs April Stevenson and Janet White came under surveillance while on duty in their patrol car.

Now Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) internal complaints and discipline department has launched an inquiry into Supt Westcott's "big brother" activities which angered serving officers in the Bury division.

However the top officer, who took up his post in the town earlier this year, has circulated a three-page memo to all divisional officers and support staff explaining his actions.

Apparently, the two women constables were chosen at random and were not previously suspected of any wrong-doing.

It is believed Supt Westcott mounted the surveillance operation, which uncovered nothing of note, because of concerns surrounding the local arrest rate.

But his actions have infuriated other officers working in the division.

They found out about the covert operation through their local Police Federation representative during a training session on new human rights legislation.

They later raised the matter with the Federation and with GMP.

In his internal memo, Supt Westcott apparently explained his actions were part of a general drive to improve efficiency and make the best use of divisional resources.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green said: "A full disciplinary investigation has been launched into the methods used by management to monitor the service we provide to the people of Bury.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further until this investigation has been completed."

Supt Westcott was born in Exeter and worked as a civil servant in Rhodesia. On returning to England in 1979, he joined Greater Manchester Police.

His first job was as a constable in Wythenshawe in Manchester. In 1983, he was promoted to sergeant and 12 months later became an inspector.

In 1992, he rose to the rank of chief inspector and was appointed superintendent three years ago.