Mr Edwards was suspended on Tuesday without pay.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission – formerly the Office of Police Integrity –  declined to comment on the charges.

A police spokeswoman said the charges against Mr Edwards were part of an ongoing police investigation.

Police sources confirmed the charges related to the handling of an investigation into former Bendigo police officer Dean Robinson, who crashed his car into a hotel while drink-driving in 2011.

Mr Edwards was Bendigo police inspector at the time.

He held that position until he relocated to Maryborough police station earlier this year.

The Office of Police Integrity and the Ethical Standards Department investigated the drink-

driving incident after concerns the initial investigation did not comply with proper protocols.

It is unclear what role Mr Edwards played in the Robinson investigation.

Robinson pleaded guilty in March this year to drink-driving, driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

He fled after crashing his car into the alfresco dining area of the Queens Arms Hotel on November 17, 2011.

Police later went to Robinson’s house and conducted a breath test that found he had a blood alcohol reading of 0.111 – more than twice the legal limit.

He lost his driver’s licence for 11 months and later resigned from the police.

Mr Edwards will face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 14.