A police officer learned that he is paid to do his job, not to clout chase on TikTok.
Bedford, New Hampshire, Police Chief John Bryfonski released a statement Monday saying the department is aware of a TikTok video created by a uniformed officer, “made apparently while on duty.”
WBZ-TV obtained the since-deleted clip which showed an officer in uniform, in what appeared to be a police cruiser, pretending to respond to calls and asking an individual not stab people as lighthearted music played in the background, seemingly poking fun at the idea of officers taking a non-confrontational approach.
“Stop! Stop stabbing that person! …Dispatch they didn’t stop, so just show me clear,” the officer said in the clip.
The video, which is under review, was shared on the TikTok account “@officer_tino” and had the caption, “How the media/liberals want the police to be,” the station reported.
The video has since launched an investigation and the officer who allegedly owns the account has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation, said Bryfonski.
The account has also been made private.
Now the entire department is on warning, with the chief saying, “If other Bedford police officers were involved in any inappropriate videos or postings, additional measures will be taken consistent with the department’s policies and procedures.”
The Bedford Police Department does not allow its officers to use social media while on duty, in uniform and using department equipment and vehicles to make divisive or political statements,” the statement continued. “Any actions that sow doubt in our department’s mission will be addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.”