On July 9th, 2020, the Liberal Police Department became aware of a social media post circulating overnight regarding a city police officer appearing on duty, while in uniform displaying a hand gesture commonly associated and affiliated with criminal gang activity. A thorough investigation regarding this officer’s actions throughout the night and morning revealed the photograph to be authentic and the officer was placed on immediate administrative leave without pay, pending the outcome of further review. A more in-depth review found the officer had violated departmental procedures and guidelines set forth by the City of LIberal and is no longer employed by the Liberal Police Department.
The Liberal Police Department wishes to convey the importance of the promotion of continued healthy community relations, both those already accomplished and those in progress and does not take instances of violations of the public’s trust lightly. The disparaging words or actions of others or criminal activity and has taken appropriate actions to work to continue to build upon trust and transparency between our officers and this community.
