A former Cheshire Police community support officer has been jailed for four years after being caught in an undercover operation attempting to meet a child for sexual purposes.
Dan Price, 31, who served with Cheshire Constabulary, admitted attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming when he appeared at Chester Crown Court.
The court heard how Price had engaged in explicit online conversations with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover police officer.
Abuse of Position and Trust
Price's role as a PCSO made his offences particularly serious, with the judge noting he had "abused his position of trust" within the community.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Betts of Cheshire Police stated: "Price's actions were a gross betrayal of the trust placed in him as a police officer. He exploited his position to commit these offences, and there is no place in Cheshire Constabulary for anyone who abuses that trust."
Swift Action and Investigation
The investigation was launched after information was received about Price's online activities. Undercover officers then engaged with him online, during which he made his intentions clear.
When arrested, Price was in possession of condoms and lubricant, clearly demonstrating his intent to follow through with the planned meeting.
Wider Impact on Police Community Relations
The case has raised concerns about vetting procedures within police forces and comes at a time when public confidence in policing has been under scrutiny.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson confirmed that Price was suspended immediately when the allegations emerged and has since been dismissed from the force.
They emphasised: "We expect the highest standards of behaviour from all our officers and staff, and when individuals fall below these standards, we will take robust action."
Price has also been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
