PSNI probe as officer photo shared online Woman’s security reviewed over breach

POLICE have launched an investigation after a private image of a female officer was shared online.

The Mirror understands the woman’s security has had to be reviewed following the circulation of the intimate photograph.

It is not yet known how the picture found its way onto social media sites.

Chief Inspector Keith Jackson said: “Police are currently working to establish the origins of a number of images posted across social media sites over recent days. An investigation is currently under way.”

It is understood the cyber-security breach originated on the Whatsapp messenger and has since been shared more than 1,000 times. PSNI officers have previously been warned to be aware of their online safety to prevent their details falling into the hands of terrorists or becoming a blackmail risk.

Although there is no official code of conduct for officers when using social media there is a corporate policy which warns of the risks accompanied with online use.

The PSNI has also launched a number of internet safety awareness messages for the public.

The force’s guidance includes a warning against sharing personal information or images with strangers or posting anything online that people would be unhappy to be shared, particularly nude or nearly nude images or videos.