An Otago senior constable is under investigation for allegedly assaulting her son.
The officer, based in Mosgiel, is being investigated after the child 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.
Police would not comment on the investigation, telling the Herald "As a general rule, police do not respond to requests seeking to identify the occupation of persons involved in criminal investigations."
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Social Development, which oversees CYF, said any such investigation would be a matter for police.
"It would be inappropriate for the Ministry to comment."