Belleville Police address Twitter controversy

By Brittany Lane and Joseph Quigley 

BELLEVILLE – Belleville Police are facing controversy after someone claiming to be one of their own allegedly posted an offensive tweet on Sunday.

Someone using the Twitter handle “@BPS_Finest,” sent out a tweet that read “Sometimes I wish the cruiser played ‘Move Bitch, Get out the way’, instead of using sirens.”

The tweet was posted at 11 a.m., only to be removed soon after because it sparked an outcry on the social media site.

Belleville Police released a statement Tuesday morning saying that they are conducting an internal investigation on the matter.

The statement said that officers on or off duty are required to follow BPS policies and procedures, as well as the Police Services Act when posting information on social media.

Repercussions for neglecting either of the guidelines range from verbal or written reprimands, or dismissal from police service entirely.

Inspector Chris Barry says that the investigation is ongoing, and that the public and media will be updated once they finish it.

“We aren’t giving out anymore details,” he said. “It’s under investigation, right now nothing else is being released.”

He was unable to say if the tweet was made by one of their officers.

QNet News will be keeping an eye on the situation as it unfolds.