PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia police officer has been reassigned for allegedly making a racial slur on a radio dispatch line Wednesday evening.
The police department says it opened an internal investigation after becoming aware of the audio recording of the incident.
The lieutenant, who allegedly used the n-word, was placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the probe, and has been assigned to the 39th Police District.
During a City Council hearing Thursday, Councilmember Cherelle Parker was livid in denouncing the officer.
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"The arrogance that it takes to do something like that, the disregard for humanity and the willingness to embrace that kind of language as if it's second nature, is something we should continue to have zero tolerance for," said Parker, who is Black.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 President John McNesby echoed the criticism.
“We condemn this language, which has no place not only among our force, but in every workplace,” he said. “This incident does not reflect the fact that our officers work hard every day to serve our diverse city with integrity and honor.”
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The Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission says it is confident that this incident will be resolved “justly and swiftly” through the internal investigation.
“As the investigation unfolds, one thing is abundantly clear; the use of racial slurs and the individuals who speak them cannot and will not be tolerated. Racism and prejudice have no place in policing,” the CPOC said in a statement. “Incidents like this, further erode the already fragile foundation of trust between the community and the Police department.”
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