The police commissioner said a need to fight corruption led him to transfer 162 officers. But a stunned union blamed politics and filed a grievance with the state Labor Relations Board.

The transfers include 20 officers from the 39th District in North Philadelphia where six former officers have pleaded guilty to framing drug suspects in recent years. More indictments are expected.

“In looking at the issue of corruption, it’s in the department’s best interest as well as the community’s best interest that people do not remain in particular assignments for extended periods of time,” Police Commissioner Richard Neal, who ordered the transfers, said Friday.

Fraternal Order of Police President Richard Costello said newly re-elected Mayor Edward G. Rendell was retaliating because the FOP supported his opponent.