Two police officers were suspended over videos they posted on the social media platform TikTok, at least one of which was made in response to criticism of law enforcement.
How we got here: The investigation into the officers’ conduct reportedly stemmed from one TikTok video that referenced the criticism of the police.
That video, titled “How the media/liberals want the police to be,” showed one officer in uniform who made fun of people questioning law enforcement’s use of deadly force and how they respond to certain situations.
“You look like you’re going to go shoot those people — can you just not? Oh, he’s pointing at me. I’m out,” the officer said in the clip, as well as: “Hey, stop stabbing, stop! Stop stabbing that person! …Dispatch they didn’t stop, so just show me clear.”
The officer who owned the account that posted the video was previously placed on administrative leave.
The story: Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski announced the suspension on Saturday, suggesting that the officers were on duty when they used filmed the video. In a statement, he said that one officer was placed on an unpaid 8-day suspension and another police officer received an unpaid 22-working day suspension.
The police officers, who were not identified, will have to complete training on implicit bias, diversity, and cultural awareness as well.
”The fact finding investigation into this matter was exhaustive, complete and thorough,” Bryfonski said. “The investigation developed the necessary facts and evidence, which was balanced against Department policies and procedures that explicitly prohibits such conduct.”
“This behavior on social media ran contrary to the expectations and requirements of a sworn police officer and damaged the confidence, trust and respect in the Bedford Police Department by the community. However, the culture of professionalism, empathy, caring for the community by our officers and their desire to provide our citizens with the very best in public safety services should not be judged by this aberration,” he added.
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