A special prosecutor has been appointed in the investigation of alleged misconduct by members of the West Vancouver Police Department.

Justice Branch spokesman Stan Lowe said Victoria lawyer Harold Rusk was appointed following a request from Victoria's police chief, who is investigating the incidents.

Lowe would not elaborate on the nature of the allegations.

The embattled department has come under fire in recent months.

In November, it was revealed that officers had held after-hours drinking parties at the police station.

A month later, three new investigations were launched into alleged police misconduct in West Vancouver.

They included the misappropriation of money for crime victims, improper use of a municipal towing service and the setting off of confiscated fireworks.

West Vancouver's police chief lost his job at about the same time, and is now involved in a court case to get it back.

Rusk will make a recommendation to the Crown about whether charges against the officers involved in the alleged misconduct are warranted.