NSW Police targeted a group of homosexual officers in an internal drug investigation because they regularly frequented well-known gay bars and were "notoriously promiscuous", court documents have revealed.

Three serving officers, Christopher Sheehy, Steven Rapisarda and Shane Housego, and former officer Christian McDonald are seeking compensation and an apology from NSW Police, arguing they were targeted because of their sexuality.

They allege their treatment was the result of a homophobic culture fostered by senior management at Newtown Police Station.

Court documents released by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal reveal the men were targeted because their attendance at gay bars led to a "genuine concern" they were involved in illegal drug taking.

A statement by Newtown Police Station Commander, Superintendent Simon Hardman, revealed he first became suspicious of the four officers after a fifth officer, Sergeant George Zisopoulous, returned a positive result for ecstasy, speed and prescription drugs from a hair sample in May 2015.

Superintendent Hardman noted that Sergeant Zisopoulous shaved his head and arms, and that officers McDonald and Rapisarda came to work sporting "extremely short" haircuts the following week.

"Suspicion now develops that this is a deliberate action to avoid drug detention," Superintendent Hardman stated.

He stated that the "close friendships" between the five officers and their attendance at bars known for drug use such as the Stonewall, the Beresford Hotel and The Ivy raised "further suspicion".

"George, Christian and Christopher are also notorious for their promiscuity," Superintendent Hardman wrote.

"Drug use is thought to be fundamental in such indiscriminate sexual encounters."

Superintendent Hardman noted in his statement there was no direct evidence to suggest officers Sheehy, McDonald, Rapisarda or Housego had taken illicit drugs, but he still urged a further investigation of the four.

"I cannot justify seeking targeted drug testing of anyone in the group," he said.

"That said, their regular attendance at licenced premises that have significant intelligence holdings for drug trade is of concern.

"Even in the absence of evidence, I retain a genuine concern the group is actively involved in recreational/illegal drug use."

Commissioner defends process as being subject to 'full oversight'

The six-month Professional Standards investigation, codenamed Strike Force Andro, ultimately cleared the four men.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who was the Central Metropolitan Region Commander in 2015 when the investigation took place, yesterday defended the process.

"A Professional Standards Command investigation was undertaken to resolve this issue and subsequently cleared all four officers," he said.

"I was satisfied with this given the matter had the full oversight of the ombudsman."