French police officer investigated for showing corpse photos to teenage trainees

An investigation has been launched into a senior police officer in the Vosges region of France for allegedly showing graphic photos of dead bodies to four 15-year-old female trainees. The officer, who holds the position of head of staff for the Vosges national police, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.

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The investigations are ongoing after the seizure of the accused's computer equipment.

The incident reportedly occurred while the teenagers were undertaking internships at the police station in Épinal. According to local newspaper Vosges Matin and confirmed by the public prosecutor's office in Épinal, the officer is accused of presenting them with photographs from judicial investigations.

An investigation for "attempted corruption of minors" has been opened and entrusted to the General Inspectorate of the National Police (IGPN), often referred to as the "police of police." The IGPN has seized the officer's computer equipment as part of its ongoing investigations.

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I have opened a preliminary investigation entrusted to the IGPN.

Prosecutor Frédéric Nahon stated that the images shown were not only shocking but also related to secret investigations, adding another layer to the alleged misconduct. The maximum penalty for such an offense in France can be up to three years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros. The director of national police for the department, Commissioner General Antoine Bonillo, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the photos were shown to minors and were part of confidential case files.

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Beyond being shocking and having been shown to minors, these photos relate to the secrecy of the investigation.