Suspended for telling the truth. What’s next? Sending him to “sensitivity training”?
Via Truth Revolt:
Seattle Chief of Police Kathleen M. O’Toole has placed officer Sam Byrd on administrative leave after he posted several messages online that denounced the social justice movement as “nothing more than racism.”
Officer Byrd’s online activity—highlighted by local news outlet The Stranger for what the site decries as racially discriminatory and homophobic comments—has resulted in him being placed on administrative leave. Chief O’Toole announced her decision Saturday in a department-wide email. explaining that the Office of Accountability is suspending him while it drafts its new social media policy that will prevent future “undermin[ing of] community trust” in the city’s new Race and Social Justice Initiative. Here’s O’Toole’s email:
For the second time in two weeks, I am placing an officer on administrative leave due to social media posts that have been called into question. The matter has been referred to the Office of Professional Accountability.
We have been working in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office on a draft social media policy since August. I have expedited the draft and it has been sent to the Monitoring Team and the Department of Justice.
I am particularly disappointed by these incidents because they undermine community trust, the reputation of the SPD and the outstanding work of many professional, hard-working officers. I will continue to take decisive action against this type of behavior. I expect all SPD members to demonstrate professionalism, common sense and good judgment.
Kathleen M. O’Toole
Chief of Police