A YOUNG constable who took a "selfie" of his bulging biceps under a straining police shirt is under investigation after the image went viral.

The officer, from Queensland's metropolitan south region, took a photograph of himself while flexing his muscles in his laundry mirror.

It was later posted on an image sharing site.

But the picture was picked up by other police officers, who went on to berate him over the picture for "disgracing" the service.

It is understood young officers are becoming increasingly image conscious, with many taking their police shirts to tailors to have the sleeves shortened or taken in.

The constable is being investigated for allegedly violating police policies on the use of social networking sites.

In a written statement to The Sunday Mail, a spokeswoman said Queensland Police Service employees should not post photos or videos of themselves in uniform, police operations or activities inside police premises.

"QPS is currently investigating a matter involving a male constable in relation to the use of social media," the statement said.

The image was shared by officers and was turned into a series of "meme" photographs captioned with sarcastic comments often shared on social networking sites.

A search found the photo was shared by officers from Mackay to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

"I feel bad for him," one wrote. "How could he think it was a good idea?"

When asked if QPS was looking into whether the constable was the victim of bullying, the spokeswoman said "all aspects surrounding this matter will be examined".

The constable was described as a "good operational officer".

Officers have previously been warned about taking their work across the digital divide.

Last year, the Queensland Police Union issued a warning to its members to delete their Facebook accounts or risk their jobs.

Police were told to post only photographs they "don't mind being splashed all over the newspapers".

"You don't just risk being de-friended but also being de-jobbed," the union said.