Victorian policeman charged with rape

A Victorian police officer charged with rape over an alleged off-duty incident has had his first court appearance.

The leading senior constable, who has been suspended without pay, was on Friday charged with six offences over an incident which occurred in the last 12 months, police say.

The officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with rape, intentionally causing injury and committing an indecent act in the presence of a child under the age of 16.

The charges follow an investigation by Taskforce Salus, which was set up to probe claims of sexual predatory behaviour, serious sexual harassment and discrimination against current or former Victoria Police employees.