Police officer allegedly searched database on side gig for Victorian Canine Association.

A police officer allegedly made unauthorised searches while carrying out work for the Victorian Canine Association.

A police officer is under investigation for allegedly carrying out unauthorised computer checks. Picture: AAP

A police officer is under investigation over allegations of carrying out computer checks as part of a role with the Victorian Canine Association.

The officer has been accused of making unauthorised searches on the force’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program database.

Those claims relate to work carrying out inquiries for the VCA, specifically looking into a dispute over ownership of a number of dogs.

Victoria Police confirmed that an inquiry was running.

Border Collie running towards camera retrieving frisbee. – picture istock

“A sergeant from the Western Region is under internal investigation in relation to alleged unauthorised access and disclosure of information in 2022.

As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” a spokeswoman said.

Sources say there had been ongoing puzzlement among some at the VCA about how private information had been gathered about certain members.

The Herald Sun revealed earlier this year that the same officer was under internal investigation for taking a side job investigating internal disputes for the VCA, also known as Dogs Victoria.

A Victoria Police statement at the time said the sergeant’s off-duty outside work had been referred by the force’s professional standards command for investigation at local level.

The officer has been scrutinising a VCA committee member for alleged internal breaches, including improper use of information, taking improper advantage of their position and conflict of interest.

The officer allegedly accessed the Law Enforcement Assistance Program database.

The organisation’s president, Vin McPhee, spoke out in support of the member at the time.

“Dogs Victoria knows this person to be of the highest integrity, to impartially conduct the investigations assigned and will support the investigator in every way,” he wrote at the time.

The VCA describes itself as the peak body representing owners and breeders of purebred dogs in Victoria.

It was revealed last year the association was involved in a legal dispute with a former committee member, Frank Tipping, whose supporters say he lost his role because of a conviction in 1961.

Mr Tipping’s supporters argue the matter is a “spent conviction” and, as such, should not have been a consideration for his suitability.

The 82-year-old Mr Tipping is fighting for reinstatement.