A Tinder profile showing a half naked "police officer" just wearing a stab vest sparked an investigation.
Racy pictures of what appeared to be a half-naked police officer posing on Tinder were shared on social media after being sent to a journalist, Dr Rebecca Tidy. The image shows a man, Liam, 34, covering his private parts with a police hat, wearing a stab-proof vest and holding a baton.
The tweet went viral, with Devon and Cornwall Police investigating the incident due to the location on the profile appearing as Cornwall. But, police have now confirmed the equipment pictured belonged to a serving member of Merseyside Police
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A Merseyside police spokesperson said: “We are aware of an image circulating on social media showing a partially clothed man with police equipment. The image was reported to the Professional Standards Department at Merseyside Police in May 2020 when it appeared on social media after it had been shared on a dating app.
“Following an investigation it was established the man pictured was not – and has never been – a police officer or a member of police staff. The man was wearing police equipment belonging to a serving Merseyside Police officer."
Merseyside Police added the officer was not present when the photograph was taken or aware his equipment was being used.
The statement continued: "He was given advice by our Professional Standards Department and the man who posted the image on a dating app later removed it on the officer’s request. Our dedicated Professional Standards Department thoroughly investigate any allegations of misconduct by anyone employed by the force.
“It is essential that police officers and staff act with respect, professionalism and integrity at all times and that as a Force we take swift and robust action to investigate anyone whose behaviour falls short of those high standards.”
Devon and Cornwall Police also released a statement, they said: "We are aware of an image currently circulating on social media that appears to show a partially clothed male in police equipment, that is being used as a profile on a dating app. We are working with the Force Professional Standards Department and enquiries continue."
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