TORONTO

Toronto Police Services is investigating an allegation from its own members that two 52 Division officers raised thousands of dollars for the slain Sgt. Ryan Russell trust fund that were not approved by the force.

“There is an investigation by professional standards,” spokesman Mark Pugash confirmed late Wednesday. “Their efforts were not sanctioned by the division, the ceremonial unit or the service.”

The two officers at the centre of the investigation, 52 Division Consts. Stephen Birtles and Lisa Hayford, remain on active duty as the investigation unfolds.

Birtles was a pallbearer at the funeral and both are said to be members of the chief’s ceremonial unit. Neither have been charged with any crime nor do either face any criminal investigation.

“The investigators will follow the case and where it goes will depend on where it takes them,” said Pugash.

Several police sources say the investigation involves the sale of about 3,500 T-shirts since the Jan. 12, 2011, death of Russell at a cost of $20 a piece and what happened to the money raised.

Sources say the trust fund has yet to receive any funds from these T-shirt sales and was also not aware of the fundraising effort.

The collection was pitched to fellow police officers as a fundraising effort for the education of Russell’s young son, Nolan.

“It’s very embarrassing and upsetting,” an officer told the Toronto Sunof the investigation that commenced last month.

Investigators are also looking into a sum of $7,500 being found in a 52 Division gun locker.

Pugash would not indicate when it could be completed.

The two officers were not available for comment Thursday night.

Richard Kachkar, 45, formerly of St. Catharines, is accused of first-degree murder in Russell’s death, plus two charges of attempted murder.