A SENIOR police officer has vowed not to be distracted from his duties while an investigation into alleged inappropriate material found on his computer is carried out.

Adam Briggs, deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, is facing an investigation into his use of a laptop computer.

The Independent Police Complaints’ Commission (IPCC) has seized a disc, understood to contain pictures of scantily-clad models and a number of cartoons, one of which featured a rabbi.

Mr Briggs said he was sent the disc, which also contained research material, but had been unable to open it.

He said “inappropriate and distasteful” content was discovered when the computer was taken for an upgrade.

None of the images are thought to be illegal or pornographic.

Mr Briggs is continuing to work while the investigation is carried out.

He said: “Some time ago, I was forwarded a computer disc which the sender believed would be of use to me in my work.

“I recently attempted to view the contents of the disc for the first time, but was unable to.

“I intended to get the IT department to open it for me, but before this was done the laptop was taken away as part of an upgrade, with the disc still inside it.

“The disc was subsequently opened. I have been shown a copy and have viewed the contents for the first time.

“From the images I have seen, some of the content would have been of use to me in my work as a police officer.

“Other images, while widely available to the public, I regard as inappropriate and distasteful and I would never have used them.

“I will co-operate with the IPCC and I hope this matter will be resolved quickly.

“In the meantime, this will not distract me from my duties and I will continue to serve the public as normal.”

The IPCC said the disc and computer would be analysed in detail.

Mr Briggs joined North Yorkshire Police in June 2007 and previously worked for Cleveland Police.

The IPCC is also investigating claims Mr Briggs and chief constable Grahame Maxwell helped relatives who wanted to join the police.