Two police officers in Rochester, N.Y., have been suspended due to unprofessional radio exchanges that occurred last Sunday.
According to News 10, the Rochester Police Department swiftly suspended the officers involved after recordings revealed inappropriate and immature behavior.
The situation began when News10NBC acquired recordings from police headquarters that captured the officers using a secondary communication channel for car-to-car conversations. These channels are typically used for less formal internal communications among officers.
Secondary Channels Reveal Concerning Behavior Among Officers
The recorded conversations included moments where the officers joked about a fake situation involving a black male in an RPD recruitment car, and comments about a trip to Philadelphia. This supposed trip was discussed in the context of attending a police recruitment event, where one officer mentioned his plans to drink excessively in celebration.
"I’ve got a black male in an RPD recruitment car going northbound on Ames," one officer broadcasted, prompting an uncertain reply from a 911 dispatcher. The dispatcher was quickly advised to disregard the call, an indication of the non-serious nature of the communication.
"He looks good, he’s wearing a durag," commented another officer, further illustrating the inappropriate tone of the exchanges.
Internal Reaction and Investigation Launch
The content of the calls contradicted the department's standards. The Rochester Police Department expressed disappointment in the behavior, stating it undermines their mission of "Crime Reduction, Service, and Professionalism." An internal investigation was subsequently initiated to address the conduct and ensure accountability.
"The calls appear 'immature and unprofessional' and this behavior falls short of meeting our mission,” was the official statement from the Rochester Police Department in response to the incident.
Following the incident’s exposure, the reaction was swift. The officers involved were suspended with pay pending the outcome of the internal investigation. This measure reflects the department's immediate steps to manage the situation and prevent further occurrences of such unprofessionalism.
Union’s Role in Protecting Officer Rights
The Locust Club, the police union, acknowledged the issue and began cooperating with the ongoing investigation. While protecting the rights of the involved officers, the union also emphasized its commitment to maintaining professional standards among its members.
“The Locust Club is aware of the situation and has been in touch with the members who are involved. We will continue to protect their rights while cooperating with the internal investigation,” stated the union’s spokesperson.
As the investigation proceeds, the Rochester Police Department and the Locust Club are working to address and rectify the breach of conduct, emphasizing the need for professionalism at all times. Meanwhile, the community awaits clear outcomes and reassurances that such incidents will not recur, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in law enforcement.
Implications for Recruitment and Community Relations
The incident has sparked discussions about the implications for police recruitment and the overall perception of law enforcement in the community. With the officers joking about representing Rochester during a recruiting event in Philadelphia, concerns about the image and standards of the department have been raised.
The Rochester Police Department has reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and service, seeking to reassure the public of its dedication to these values.
