The Springfield Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into an alleged Facebook post from an officer which shows George Floyd holding a gun to a pregnant woman. The post shows a doctored image which appears to promote an alternate narrative about Floyd. Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood says the officer has already been assigned to inside duty because of an injury.
The Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst called the post troubling and shows the need for better police sensitivity training.
The Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno reacted as well last night:
“This is just plain unbelievable! After everything we are all doing in our Springfield, state, and our country to unite, respect and work together, this officer pulls this ‘B.S.’! This action ignites, divides and hurts our police-community relations and trust that we have continued to foster and build. As I have said before, these types of social media posts are unacceptable and insensitive. It is wrong and I have zero tolerance for this action. I have requested Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and other appropriate departments to conduct an investigation into this matter ASAP.”
“I have also instructed the appropriate departments to expand for even more cultural sensitivity and diversity training,” Mayor Sarno continued. “To not only get to the root causes of these actions, but just as important, a path forward on the ‘how’s, why’s, and what’s’, is needed to alleviate these types of actions. We have been in discussion with a facilitator group on this very issue.”
No timetable for the additional training or the completion of the internal investigation.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)