Victoria's police chief Frank Elsner has been suspended, effective immediately, following allegations of misconduct, including attempting to influence witnesses and delete information from Victoria Police computers.

The new accusations surfaced in connection with the ongoing investigation into claims Elsner sent inappropriate social media messages to the wife of a subordinate officer.

Retired judge Ian Pitfield, ordered the suspension Friday shortly after his appointment as adjudicator by the Office of the Police Complaints Commission.

The co-chairs of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board were told of the suspension this afternoon.

The Victoria Police Board says it will meet next week to determine whether the suspension will be with or without pay.

Chief Elsner has been on administrative leave since December.

A statement from police complaints commissioner Stan Lowe earlier today said new information suggests Elsner "attempted to inappropriately influence potential witnesses" and "may have deleted or attempted to delete information relevant to the internal investigation."

Deceit and discreditable conduct

According to the statement Elsner is now facing three separate disciplinary breaches of public trust; an allegation of deceit and two allegations of discreditable conduct.

Elsner's lawyer Janet Winteringham says he cannot comment on the allegations.

Elsner was sworn in a Victoria Police Chief in December 2013 (@ChiefElsner/Twitter)

"Even in the face of a detailed media release that has been delivered from the police complaints commissioner's office, neither the chief nor council should be commenting on an outstanding police act investigation." Winteringham told CBC News.

The RCMP has been designated to investigate the new allegations which represent another twist in the ongoing drama around Elsner which began last August when the co-chairs of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board received a tip that Elsner had exchanged inappropriate Twitter messages with a female officer on another force.

The woman's husband is an officer serving under Elsner.

Elsner has been on paid leave since December when the initial investigation was launched.

Investigations under the Police Act must be completed within six months.

With files from Megan Thomas