Christopher Thompson, 33, from Doncaster, has been jailed for six years after being found guilty of trying to arrange sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court on Tuesday.
Thompson was working for West Yorkshire Police in the force's regional scientific support services when he was arrested. Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins stated he had been involved in "concerning behaviour online" and had attempted to arrange sexual activity with a child.
He was found guilty of trying to arrange sexual activity with a child under 13, two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and sending communication conveying a threatening message. Following his arrest, police seized devices on which indecent images of children were found.
Thompson has been added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining orders relating to two victims. West Yorkshire Police said he was suspended after his arrest, and misconduct proceedings have begun with the aim of barring him from future policing roles.