The Police watchdog's reopened a complaint into a Christchurch detective's alleged intimate relationship, with a rape complainant

Luke Fazackerley met then-22-year-old, Alex McPhail, while investigating her complaint two years ago.

McPhail told our newsroom their relationship turned sexual - and claims he sent her images of the policing code of conduct, confirming their talking was a breach.

The IPCA's reopened her complaint and sought information from Police about their employment process, since this was made public.

McPhail hopes this decision holds the Police accountable, adding there's a huge issue with officers and relationships with victims.