PEORIA (25News Now) - In an attempt to get some new recruits, the Peoria Police Department instead received a different reaction to its social media post.
Tuesday’s social media ad, posted on the department’s official Facebook page, aimed to advertise job openings.
However, it drew dozens of offended comments and shares.
It was deleted shortly after.
The ad references a popular video game and read, “Stop playing games and answer the Call of Duty.”
“I want to sincerely apologize if somebody was offended or we offended anybody,” said Chief Eric Echevarria.
Now, city leaders are weighing in.
“It sent the wrong message, and the public picked up on it instantly, and the public responded, which is what we want the public to do. If they see something inappropriate or wrong, communicate it, and that’s what they did,” said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali.
Following the post, Echevarria also apologized to city leaders for the harm the post may have caused.
Peoria NAACP President and Pastor Marvin Hightower said the reference to the Call of Duty military game sends the wrong message.
“It gives that connotation, and that’s something that we were working hard not to have, and it’s something that we’ve been working hard and will continue to work hard to take away that ‘us against them, it’s not a war, we are all part of the community,’” said Hightower.
He said this post could potentially unravel their department’s work in building community trust and relations.
“I think moving forward, I know there will not be another post like that,” Hightower said.
Both leaders agree the post was inappropriate, but they understand mistakes are made.
“That’s on me, and I ask the community to show me some grace; we’ll continue to work hard for you, we’ll continue to recruit the best candidates we can, but we’ll be more intentional on looking at it from a community perspective,” Chief Echevarria said.
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