Southland police officer investigated over texts to crime victim

A Southland constable is being investigated after a woman complained he had texted her inappropriately while working on her case.

Screenshots seen by Fairfax show flirty texts allegedly sent by the constable to the woman, who was writing a victim impact statement.

In one exchange, he reportedly said she was a "very attractive woman" and asked if she was wearing a maid's outfit.

The woman's responses were friendly because, she told Fairfax, she needed to keep the policeman on her side and didn't know what else to do.

She has since laid a complaint with police.

Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham confirmed the complaint had been received two weeks ago.

After the complaint was received "an employment investigation commenced and the staff member was moved from their position within 24 hours", Basham said.

"The individual is under close supervision in a non victim-facing role. The investigation is being headed by a senior investigator."

He said he wanted to reassure the public complaints about police employees were taken "extremely seriously".

"All staff are bound by the Police Code of Conduct."

Basham was limited in what he could say as the investigation was continuing, he said.