Hartford police have apologized and launched an internal investigation after a Donald Trump sticker was spotted inside a patrol car and a photo of the sticker began circulating on social media.
The sticker, which was on top of a police laptop, has since been removed and all officers have been reminded to "remain politically neutral," Deputy Chief Brian J. Foley said in an email.
HPD command staff was first made aware of the "irresponsible application" of the sticker Saturday morning and "immediately addressed" it, Foley said.
Foley said the department is "embarrassed and sorry for this lack of professional judgment."
The officer was "counseled on the critical importance of remaining neutral and impartial," Foley said.
The department also reached out directly to many community leaders to apologize.
Here is Foley's statement on the matter:
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"This political sticker situation has been addressed. The sticker, which was conspicuously affixed to the top of a HPD laptop computer within the marked patrol vehicle, has been removed. The officer was counseled on the critical importance of remaining neutral and impartial. We also reminded all HPD officers to remain politically neutral. Specific daily roll call training is being given at all shifts. The matter will now be referred for an internal investigation. I am, and we are, embarrassed and sorry for this lack of professionalism and judgment."
