A serving Police Scotland officer has been handed a six-month community payback order for indecent communications with a child.
Cameron Fraser, 28, was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court in Fife last month.
The force’s professional standards department will now begin proceedings for gross misconduct.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “Fraser’s offending and behaviour was appalling.
“In committing this crime Fraser believed that his online offending would go undetected.
“However, there is no hiding place, and as a result of our investigation he will now rightly face the consequences of his actions.”
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She added: “We encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact police immediately.
“It is right policing is held to high standards and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart.
“Those who reject what we stand for do not belong in Police Scotland.”