Vic officer charged with indecent acts

A Victoria Police protective services officer has been charged with committing indecent acts with a child under the age of 16.

The incidents allegedly occurred a decade ago in country Victoria before the officer joined Victoria Police.

He has been suspended with pay and is scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in late September, police said on Tuesday.

"The male member was charged on summons with eight counts of indecent act," a spokesperson said in a statement.

Protective services officers have similar powers to police and are responsible for monitoring community safety.

They can start employment with 12 weeks of paid training at the Victoria Police Academy.