A senior Otago constable is under investigation for allegedly assaulting a son.
The officer, based in Mosgiel, is being investigated after the boy reported the alleged assault to another family member.
Child, Youth and Family was contacted, the New Zealand Police Conduct Association (NZPCA) reported.
The boy was removed from the officer's home and is being cared for by another member of his family.
Police have been notified of the assault allegation.
NZPCA said police would not comment on whether or not the officer had been stood down pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NZPCA is a whistle-blower organisation, independent of police and the government, which is calling for a "truly Independent" agency to Investigate and manage complaints against police, a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the extent of corruption among New Zealand police, and for on-duty officers to be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
