Sydney cop Joshua John Potter allegedly possessed child abuse material

A police officer accused of possessing child abuse material has appeared in court for the first time.

A southwestern Sydney police officer charged with possessing child abuse material has appeared in court for the first time flanked by family and supporters.

Joshua John Potter, 25, appeared in Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday just more than three weeks after he was charged following an internal police investigation.

Constable Joshua John Potter appeared in Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday. Picture: NewsWire/Monique Harmer

He was charged with one count of possessing/controlling child abuse material. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

In June, NSW Police’s Professional Standards Command began an investigation into Constable Potter, an officer from the South West Metropolitan Region.

On September 17, at Campbelltown Police Station, he was arrested and charged with possess/control child abuse material – use carriage service.

According to court documents, Mr Potter is alleged to have possessed the child abuse material from May last year until July 30 this year at his Glen Alpine home.

The material is alleged to have been held on a computer and data storage device.

He was granted bail before he appeared in court on Thursday alongside his solicitor Sophia Seton.

Constable Potter (left) will appear in court again in December. Picture :NewsWire/Monique Harmer

He sat silently at the back of the court alongside family and supporters as his matter was dealt with by a registrar.

He did not enter a plea during the brief appearance.

NSW Police said he had been suspended with pay and his employment status was under review.

Constable Potter will return to court on December 4.

Originally published as Sydney cop Joshua John Potter allegedly possessed child abuse material