Former Bristol PC Barred After Indecent Images Conviction

A former Avon and Somerset police officer has been barred from policing following his conviction for making and distributing indecent images of children. Michael Elmer, 36, was found to have committed gross misconduct at an accelerated hearing today, Tuesday 7 April.

Elmer, a former police constable based in Bristol, was arrested in May 2025 by officers with the Internet Child Abuse Team. This followed information received by the force.

He was charged with five offences and first appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in January. At a hearing in Exeter Crown Court in February, he pleaded guilty to all charges.

These charges included three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. He also pleaded guilty to one count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. Additionally, he admitted one count of sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Elmer will be sentenced for these offences on Monday 20 April.

Following his arrest, PC Elmer was suspended and has since resigned. The accelerated misconduct hearing determined he would have been dismissed if he had not already resigned.

Deputy Chief Constable's Statement

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said: “This former officer has committed abhorrent offences for which he will be sentenced later this month. As soon as we became aware of the offences, an investigation was launched and he was suspended from duty. The outcome of this misconduct process means he will never be able to work in policing or any other law enforcement role again. His deplorable actions have appalled his former colleagues, who he’s severely let down, along with the public he took an oath to serve and protect. We will always take robust action when officers or staff members fail to meet the high standards expected of them, but it’s also important to stress these cases do not reflect the hard work, dedication and courage of the vast majority.”

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Former officer convicted of indecent images offences barred from policing Source Link https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2026/04/former-officer-convicted-of-indecent-images-offences-barred-from-policing/

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