In the midst of increased calls for police reform, some police departments are holding officers accountable by either firing or suspending officers who use excessive force. One police organization, however, is doing the opposite, saying it will hire officers accused of misconduct, CNN reports.
In a Facebook message posted Saturday to the “Buffalo 57 and the “Atlanta six,” the Brevard County chapter of The Fraternal Order of Police noted it was “hiring.”
“Hey Buffalo 57… and Atlanta 6… we are hiring in Florida,” the message states. “Lower taxes, no spineless leadership or dumb mayors rambling on at press conferences… Plus, we got your back! #lawandorderFlorida #movetowhereyouare.”
“Buffalo 57” is a reference to the 57 police officers who resigned from their posts after two officers were suspended when they were caught on video pushing a 75-year-old protester to the ground. “Atlanta six is a reference to six Atlanta police officers who were booked on charges of allegedly using excessive force on two Black college students who were exiting a protest in their car.
That incident was recorded and it shows officers breaking the car’s windows, pulling one female student out of the car, and tasing the young man.
The organization also made the same offer to Minneapolis police amid calls for defunding and dismantling, now that four officers have been charged in George Floyd’s death.
“Minneapolis officers… we WILL NOT disband our LE agencies or give in… we are hiring in Florida. Lower taxes, no spineless leadership, conflicting orders or dumb mayors rambling on at press conferences… Plus, we got your back! #lawandorderFlorida #movetowhereyouare.”
A torrent of angry comments followed the posts, and many said they provided ample justification as to why police should be defunded.
“You supporting police brutality and offering this state as a safe haven for bad cops will not be tolerated,” noted one commenter. “This is why police should be defunded and disbanded.”
Bert Gamin, President of the Brevard County F.O.P. allegedly made the Facebook posts, which have since been deleted and has posted this statement below.
According to Gamin’s LinkedIn profile, he’s been a lieutenant with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years. A department spokesman said the department is currently investigating whether Gamin has violated any policies.
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