Cop stood down for inquiry

A young policewoman has been suspended after being implicated in the theft of a vehicle.

The West Auckland-based constable was suspended as police further investigate the alleged incident. It is understood evidence was found in a stolen vehicle that suggested she had handled it in some way.

Police refused to give details of the investigation and Waitemata police professional standards manager Mark O'Connor did not return calls to the Herald on Sunday. The constable would not comment.

However, the Herald on Sunday has learned she told police she did not know the car was stolen.

Waitemata police spokesman Kevin Loughlin confirmed the suspension. "Police will make no further comment as this would be prejudicial to an investigation that is in progress," he said.

Steve Hawkins, the Police Association's Waitemata field officer, said two investigations were under way - one criminal and one employment related.

Hawkins said the constable had approached the association and applied for legal assistance and an employment relations representative.