More than 100 officers have refused to have pictures put on the website

Officers say pictures posted on the internet have been used to make "wanted" posters and they and their families have suffered abuse.

Their union, the Police Federation, is asking the High Court for a judicial review to stop the publications.

The force said that it was trying to resolve the dispute.

There is great concern throughout the constabulary Steve Pierce, Police Federation

Community policing is a force priority. To improve its Neighbourhood Beat Managers' profiles, each has been told they must have a photograph on the force's website.

But more than 100 have refused, saying they fear abuse and even attacks.

One officer said his photo had been downloaded, and used in "Wanted - dead or alive"-style posters which were put up in Plymouth.

Another said his child was bullied because of a photo, and another said that he and his partner were verbally abused.

In a highly unusual move, the Police Federation is beginning legal action to stop the photos being published.

Data Protection

Steve Pierce of the Police Federation said: "There is great concern throughout the constabulary.

"In one case, an officer with 23 years service has said that if they are made to put their picture on the website, they would contemplate leaving.

"That would be such a loss to the public to lose such a dedicated officer."

An employment lawyer believes they have a strong case for refusing.

Solicitor Eoin Fowell said: "On the face of it, I think they have an arguable case. Pictures of them on a website constitutes personal data under the Data Protection Act.

Where residents know their local officer, their confidence in policing is improved Devon and Cornwall Police

"The Police Authority has to have a good reason to use that information and the courts are increasing how seriously they take these rights."

The application for the judicial review will be lodged next week.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the move was because its "policing style meets the changing needs of local communities".

The force said: "This has been a fundamental shift in culture to provide policing services in a way requested by local communities.

"We know from our research that, where residents know and can clearly identify their local officer, their confidence in policing is substantially improved.

"We know that some 250,000 people have visited the force website where details and photographs of 80% of neighbourhood beat managers can be found."

It said negotiations were ongoing to try to resolve the dispute.