Decision near on police rape charge

Rotorua police say they are close to deciding whether to charge a former officer with rape.

If charged, the man will be the ninth former Rotorua police officer from the 1980s to face accusations of sexual offending or perverting the course of justice.

Rotorua's acting district crime manager, Inspector Rob Jones, has said any decision on charges against the former officer will not be made until after discussions are held between senior police and the crown prosecutor.

The woman who made the rape complaint approached police last December.