Riverina police officer suspended amid child abuse, bestiality charges

A RIVERINA police officer has been suspended from duty after being charged with allegedly possessing child abuse and bestiality material.

The 26-year-old man — identified only as a constable attached to a Southern Region command — was issued a future court attendance notice on Wednesday, October 8.

Investigators from the Professional Standards Command began looking into the constable in July under Strike Force Norpa, following a referral from the Australian Federal Police.

After weeks of inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a property in the state’s south on Monday, September 15.

“During the search, detectives located and seized electronic devices, a gel blaster and an amount of ammunition,” NSW Police said in a statement.

The 26-year-old officer was charged with possessing child abuse material, possessing bestiality material, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, and failing to have approved storage for ammunition.

He was also charged with intentionally publishing protected information.

The man is due to appear before Albury Local Court on Wednesday, November 19.

NSW Police confirmed the officer has been suspended from duty with pay, and that his employment status is currently under review.