News / Crime
Police officer charged with indecent image offences
A serving police officer has been charged with numerous indecent images offences, including making and distributing indecent images of children.
Michael Elmer, a police constable based in Bristol, was arrested in May 2025 by Avon and Somerset Police’s Internet Child Abuse Team.
The 36-year-old appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon, where he was charged with five offences.
Avon and Somerset Police detailed these as: “Three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.
“One count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.
“One count of sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state for the purpose of sexual gratification.”
Elmer has been released on conditional bail and is set to appear at Exeter Crown Court on February 27.
The force said that a separate investigation into “breaches of standards of professional behaviour” is taking place, but that criminal proceedings take precedence.
Deputy chief constable Jon Reilly said: “An investigation was immediately launched following information received, resulting in a serving police officer being arrested and suspended from duty in May 2025.
“As we do in any instance where criminal allegations are made, a thorough investigation has been carried out with the evidence passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised charges to be brought.
“We know this case will be of significant concern to members of the public, due to the nature and seriousness of the charges.
“It will also cause distress to those working for Avon and Somerset Police and it’s important for me to reiterate that the vast majority of our officers, staff and volunteers are entirely dedicated to serving our communities and work tirelessly to keep people safe.”
Main photo: Richard Hoare
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