A Calgary police constable has been charged with possessing, accessing and making child pornography available.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) told Global News on Friday that it is investigating Const. Thomas Buttle.
Buttle, 33, was arrested on Thursday after investigators searched his Calgary home and seized a number of electronic devices and computers, ALERT said in a release on Friday.
The investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit was launched in January after ALERT received an RCMP referral regarding an unknown social media user uploading child exploitation materials.
ICE was able to identify the user through its investigation. According to ALERT, the unit only recently discovered the suspect was a police officer.
There is no information to suggest the accused offended on any children, ALERT said, however, the agency is encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact police.
Buttle has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 21.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) said in a statement it “takes these charges very seriously,” adding that Buttle, a four-year patrol member, is on paid administrative leave as his status is reviewed.
“These allegations have a significant impact on the trust and confidence that the public has in our service,” CPS said.
“The importance of this trust and confidence is not lost on our members who work tirelessly to serve Calgarians to the best of their ability.
“Allegations such as these not only have a profound impact on the community, but also other members of the service who work so hard to build the reputation we need to best serve our city.”
Anyone with information on this case or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact their local police or to report it through Cybertip.
Comments