A New South Wales police officer has been suspended from duty with pay after being charged with possessing child abuse and bestiality material.
The 26-year-old constable came under investigation in July when the matter was referred to the Professional Standards Command by federal police. Following weeks of inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a property in the state’s south on 15 September.
During the search, investigators reportedly seized several electronic devices, a gel blaster, and ammunition. The officer, who serves under the Southern Region Command, was later issued a court attendance notice after police gathered enough evidence to move forward with charges.
According to police, he now faces multiple serious offences, including possession of child abuse data using a carriage service and possession of bestiality material. He’s also been charged with unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm, failure to store a firearm in line with Category A or B licence requirements, and intentionally publishing protected information.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that the constable has been suspended from duty while internal and criminal investigations continue. “The officer’s employment status is under review,” police said.
Variety reports that this comes as the force continues to push for greater accountability and oversight among serving officers, particularly in cases involving digital offences. While the investigation is ongoing, police have not released further details about the nature of the seized material or the timeline of events that led to the charges.
The constable is scheduled to face Albury Local Court on Wednesday, 19 November, where prosecutors are expected to outline the full extent of the allegations.
Sources within the police say the case has sent shockwaves through the force, particularly given the nature of the offences and the officer’s relatively young age. Officers from the Professional Standards Command are said to be working closely with digital forensics teams to assess the material seized during the raid.
For now, the constable remains suspended on full pay while his employment status is reviewed. Police have reiterated that no officer is above the law and that those charged with serious offences will be held accountable through both internal disciplinary processes and the courts.
The investigation remains active as police continue to examine the evidence and determine whether further charges will be laid.
