IRONDEQUOIT, NY – Tough action is taken against a veteran Irondequoit police officer accused of posting racially offensive comments on Facebook.

Local blogger, Davy V., first reported on the posts, March 19. The next day, the town put the officer on administrative leave and started an internal investigation.

“The results of the investigation show that highly offensive and inappropriate comments were posted by a member of our police force,” says Supervisor Adam Bello, at a special press conference held in the middle of tonight’s regular town meeting.

One post shows topless black women dressed in African garb, under the heading “Michelle Obama’s class reunion.”

Another mocks Mexicans saying they get a “free home and free ebt card for shopping.” Many of the posts are profanity-laced.

Town supervisor Adam Bello and Chief Richard Tantalo insist these posts do not reflect the culture of the Irondequoit community.

“As someone who’s been in the law enforcement community for an extended period of time, something like this is certainly very disappointing,” says Tantalo.

“The whole foundation of their job and what they do relies on the ability of the citizens to trust their protectors,” says Bello.

Bello says the officer has been taken off payroll and will be served a letter stating the disciplinary charges against him. Officials would not name the officer citing it as a personnel matter.

As a civil service employee according to Section 75 of CSEA’s handbook, he will have a right to a hearing before any termination can be complete. The process could take up to two months.

From Rochesterhomepage.net