SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. -- A Shelbyville police officer is taking a leave of absence after being accused of having inappropriate contact with a child.

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Tory Moore has been a Shelbyville police officer for just a few years, but it has been enough time to impress his chief.

"He's always one to volunteer to do things, any way he can help. Just excellent," said Chief Austin Swing.

Tuesday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed it's investigating the patrolman on an allegation he had inappropriate contact with a child.

"And a minor, of course, that's something we take very seriously," said Kristin Helm, TBI spokeswoman." We have taken statements, but we haven't taken all the statements that we need to take to conduct a thorough investigation, and, of course, when that is completed as well, we will turn it back over to the DA."

"The officer in question, as far as with the Shelbyville Police Department, is an excellent officer. That's the best way I could describe him," said Swing. "My reaction was of surprise … Probably disbelief, too."

For now, Moore is off the job by choice. The city offered him a suspension on its terms or a voluntary leave of absence. He picked the leave, and will still receive a paycheck for now.

"In our business, life goes on," said Swing. "You have to keep doing your job, and you just let everything take its course."

The TBI hasn't said how long it expects its investigation to take. If charges do result, the officer will be suspended without pay immediately.

Moore answered the door at his home Tuesday afternoon but did not have a comment on the allegations.