The New York City Police Department suspended a police officer who appeared to endorse President Trump while on duty.
Hours after the NYPD said on Sunday the Brooklyn South Investigation Unit was investigating a viral video that appeared to show an officer endorsing President Trump, the department’s Twitter account said someone had been suspended without pay.
“The police officer who is under investigation for using a department vehicle’s loud speaker for political purposes has been suspended, effective immediately,” the tweet added.
Earlier, the NYPD said, “Police officers must remain apolitical.”
Suspended without pay; The police officer who is under investigation for using a department vehicle’s loud speaker for political purposes has been suspended, effective immediately.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 25, 2020
The video posted to social media showed an individual asking an officer to repeat the phrase “Trump 2020” into his patrol car speaker. “Trump 2020. Put it on YouTube. Put it on Facebook. Trump 2020,” the officer said. “Take a picture. Take a picture. Take a video. Put it on your Facebook. Put it on your Youtube. Have some fun.” Later, the officer appears to jokingly call the individual a “tough guy.”
In response to the announcement of an investigation, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “Any NYPD Officer pushing any political agenda while on duty will face consequences.”
Let me be clear: ANY NYPD Officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences. We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated. https://t.co/c2cXwL2wUx
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 25, 2020
The NYPD patrol guide specifically forbids officers from “endorsing political candidates or publicly expressing personal views and opinions concerning the merits of any political party or candidate for public office; any public policy matter or legislation pending before any government body; or any matter to be decided by a public election, except with the permission of the Police Commissioner” while on duty.
