SEATTLE (AP) - The King County undersheriff has recommended firing a detective who was criticized for Facebook posts that appear to mock Seattle protests against police violence and racial injustice.
Undersheriff Patti Cole-Tindall specified eight posts that the department had received complaints about in a memo to Det. Mike Brown, KING-TV reported Tuesday.
“I also consider your ability to be effective as a law enforcement officer, given the ample material now available to discredit and undermine you and our work for this agency in court processes and beyond. The blow to the department’s integrity was staggering,” Cole-Tindall said in the statement. “The damage to your integrity and ability to continue to serve as a law enforcement officer cannot be repaired.”
Sgt. Ryan Abbott said Brown has the right to meet with Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht to present his side before Johanknecht determines the final disciplinary decision.
It was not immediately clear whether Brown had a lawyer. The King County Police Officers Guild did not immediately return a voicemail seeking comment.
An investigation revealed the eight posts were made between June 1 and July 4, when there were daily protests and the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone, known as CHOP, was created.
One of the posts displayed a sticker with the illustration of people struck by a vehicle with the words “All lives splatter.” The post came shortly after a protester was killed and another was injured after being struck by a car on a Seattle highway.
Cole-Tindall said the investigation cleared Brown from an accusation of discrimination because he was off duty when he made the posts, but found evidence he violated the department’s social media policy.
Abbott said an investigation into other office employees who reacted to Brown’s posts on social media is ongoing.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.