Chris Messer is in jail and suspended without pay.
The Saint John police officer was convicted last week of engaging in threatening conduct and common assault after a break-in at his home.
Police Chief Bill Reid says police officers and civllians have the right to assist in their own investigation.
But, he adds to go and act on your own outside of that network is inappropriate and the judge has obviously commented on that.
Reid says the incident is very unfortunate and something they take very seriously.