Sgt. Sean Murphy says he released the photos to Boston Magazine because he's furious about an upcoming Rolling Stone cover that he says glamorizes Tsarnaev.
One of the behind-the-scenes photos shows Tsarnaev emerging from a boat with blood on his clothing. Another shows the red dot of a laser sight from a police sniper on his forehead.
"This guy is evil. This is the real Boston bomber - not someone fluffed and buffed for the cover of Rolling Stone," Murphy said.
Several stores are boycotting the Rolling Stone cover, refusing to sell the upcoming issue.
Murphy and his photos are the subject of an internal investigation by Massachusetts State Police. Authorities say the sergeant's duty status will be determined following the outcome of the investigation.
Tsarnaev pleaded not guilty to 30 counts associated with the bombing. Investigators say he worked with his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, to set off two bombs near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others.
