LANDOVER, Md. – The Prince George’s County Police Department was made aware today of a social media post featuring one of our officers. In the post, the officer is wearing a political T-shirt while also displaying his police badge and duty weapon.
The Internal Affairs Division immediately opened an investigation into the officer’s social media usage. During an initial review of his social media platforms, a second social media post was discovered causing more concern. Interim Chief Hector Velez today suspended the officer’s police powers pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
“I fully support an officer’s first amendment rights, however these posts are in violation of the department’s social media policy. When I was shown the post that is circulating online, I was concerned and ordered a thorough review of his social media platforms. I don’t condone any inflammatory posts by any officer that would tarnish the reputation of the men and women who do this work admirably each day, or cause the community to lose trust in us,” said Interim Chief Hector Velez.
The Prince George’s County Police Department developed an updated Social Media Policy in December of 2019. That policy is taught to all recruits, discussed during required in-service training and was emailed to the entire agency, accompanied with an instructional video.