Victoria Police say a second high-ranking department officer is under investigation, less than two months after the abrupt resignation of their chief.

Deputy Chief John Ducker is facing a conflict-of-interest investigation after reports surfaced that he was contacted to help an acquaintance whose son was arrested for theft under $5,000.

Police said Monday the investigation is a result of allegations that the acquaintance wanted Deputy Chief Ducker's help to ensure that the young man would face stern consequences for a crime that sometimes doesn't even elicit charges.

Police would not confirm media reports that the young man is the son of a current member of the Victoria Police Board.

"I'm not saying this is a police board [relative]," said Victoria police Sergeant Grant Hamilton. "It's an acquaintance of Deputy Chief Ducker's."

Sgt. Hamilton said the department itself initiated the investigation into Deputy Chief Ducker after information about the theft incident became public.

"This is a matter of us trying to be as transparent as possible," he said.

Sgt. Hamilton said the allegation is that Deputy Chief Ducker was contacted by the unidentified friend after the son's arrest and asked if he would ensure the son would receive "more meaningful consequences."

The incident report involving the alleged theft is before Crown counsel, where it is being assessed for possible charges, Sgt. Hamilton said.

Some cases involving such allegations of theft, especially on first offences, result in warning letters sent to the alleged offender as opposed to charges, he said.

Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich is overseeing the Police Act investigation. Deputy Chief Ducker is continuing his regular duties while the investigation unfolds.

It is the second investigation in recent months to trouble the Victoria police force.

Last August, former police chief Paul Battershill quit days before he was to face a disciplinary hearing.

An RCMP investigation found no criminal wrongdoing, but it did find complaints of favouritism over the former chief's personal relationship with a person who provided services to the police department.

Sgt. Hamilton says there is no connection between the Ducker investigation and the previous probe involving Mr. Battershill. "This has nothing to do with former chief Battershill," he said.

Sgt. Hamilton said it has been frustrating lately seeing the department facing controversy, but it has not hurt the daily functioning of police.

Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe, who is also police board chairman, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Meanwhile, the Victoria police board continues its search for a new chief, within and outside the Victoria Police Department.