A SOUTH Australian policeman has been arrested for drink-driving after allegedly blowing three times over the legal limit.

The man was detected after complaints from a member of the public about his driving at Smithfield northeast of Adelaide overnight, police say.

He allegedly blew .165, more than three times the .05 legal blood alcohol limit in South Australia and has had his car impounded.

The 39-year-old police officer from Aldgate, southeast of Adelaide, was arrested at a Craigmore address and has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol.

His vehicle was seized and impounded and his driver's licence was immediately disqualified for 12 months.

He has been bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on February 15 2010.

A South Australian police spokesman said he did not know if the officer had been suspended from duty.



