A Nunavut RCMP officer will be charged with committing an indecent act, the police force said Thursday.

The charge has not yet been filed with the Nunavut Court of Justice, but the decision to charge the officer, who has not been named, follows the advice of federal prosecutors.

"Iqaluit RCMP initiated a criminal investigation in April of 2009 in response to an allegation that an indecent act was committed in Iqaluit," police said in a release. "As a result of the subsequent police investigation, the Crown attorney's office has recommended a charge of committing an indecent act be laid against an Iqaluit RCMP officer."

The nature of the allegedly indecent act was not disclosed.

Commanding officer Supt. Steve McVarnock said in the release he is disappointed when allegations of this nature come to his attention. At the same time, McVarnock said, the police force will not withdraw from its responsibility to investigate such matters in a firm and balanced manner.

The officer is expected to appear in court at a later date. In the meantime, he will be assigned to administrative duties until further notice.

McVarnock told CBC News that the officer is not the same one at the centre of a sexual assault allegation filed by a woman in Pond Inlet in April 2007. No charges have been laid in that case.