BOSTON (AP) -- The head of the Boston Police Department's detective division has been placed on leave while the department investigates allegations against him made by a former girlfriend.

A department spokeswoman says Superintendent Bruce Holloway was placed on paid leave on Wednesday until further notice. Holloway earned nearly $174,000 last year and leads the 280-detective Bureau of Investigative Services.

The 33-year veteran was once awarded the department's top award for bravery.

Holloway's lawyer says the allegations stem from a dispute with the ex-girlfriend. Attorney Timothy Burke says the couple dated for about a year before splitting in August and filing restraining orders against each other.

Documents in the case have been sealed by a judge.

Burke says Holloway denies the ex-girlfriend's allegations.