French protocol officer faces 'sex in sewer' inquiry A police sergeant in charge of protocol at ceremonies at France's interior ministry is under investigation after allegedly taking part in "extreme" sexual practices in the sewers of Berlin that were filmed and later displayed on a pornography website. The sergeant, named only as Philippe D, has served in his current position for 10 years under various interior ministers including the former president Nicolas Sarkozy. He was summoned by his superiors this summer, shortly after he took part in full dress uniform in the July 14 Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees, after rumours began spreading about his interests. They apparently accepted his argument that what he did in his free time was his own business. But earlier this week, material was shown to ministry officials depicting the policeman engaged in "extreme" sexual practices, according to Le Parisien newspaper. Pierre-Henry Brandet, a ministry spokesman, confirmed police were investigating. The officer had not been suspended but was not being allowed to take part in any ceremonies in uniform while the inquiry continued. He noted that he had always been seen as an "exemplary" officer.