By KEITH UPCHURCH

kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612

DURHAM -- Police are conducting an investigation into possible misconduct by a Durham police officer, Police Chief Jose Lopez said in statement Tuesday.

In a "response to media inquiries" release, Lopez said the criminal and administrative investigation was initiated by his department "and has been ongoing." He did not specify the exact nature of the probe.

"Due to personnel privacy laws, limited information can be released at this point in the investigation," he wrote. "Pending the conclusion of the investigation, more information will be forthcoming."

"To avoid misinforming the public, it is requested that unsubstantiated information not be reported," the statement said. "The Durham Police Department is working diligently to bring the investigation to conclusion."

Asked to elaborate on the nature of the investigation, the chief said: "I won't be able to say anything more than what's written down."

Durham Mayor Bill Bell said he had no comment on the matter and referred questions to City Manager Tom Bonfield.

Attempts to reach Bonfield were unsuccessful.