A criminal investigation is under way following allegations a Queenstown policewoman assaulted a Queenstown taxi driver earlier this month.
The Otago Daily Times understands the officer, on leave at the time, also faces allegations of racial abuse.
Otago Rural acting area commander Inspector Andrew Burns confirmed police had received a complaint in relation to the alleged incident between the constable and a Queenstown Taxis driver.
''The constable was on leave without pay at the time the incident occurred and continues to be on leave without pay.''
''Police take these kinds of complaints extremely seriously and a criminal investigation is under way.
''Because of this investigation, police aren't able to provide further details at this time,'' Insp Burns said.
Queenstown Taxis managing director Grant Scannell said when contacted he was ''not saying there was [an incident] and I'm not saying there wasn't''.
''Any information I give any media ... puts my drivers in a predicament and [once] the facts have been through the independent policy authority, then I don't have a problem talking to you.''
The ODT understands the officer, who was with her husband, was alleged to be intoxicated at the time of the incident, which was recorded.
It is understood the footage has been given to police.
