By Police1 Staff
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo officer has been suspended without pay over Vine videos, WIVB reported.
Under the name ‘Angry Cops’ Officer Richard Hy has posted seven-second videos on the social media site. The department told the news site Hy’s videos violate their social media policy.
The department has a strict policy that says officer can be on social media but not in uniform or representing themselves as officers. Hy’s name on his badge is visible in some videos.
Other officers who use social media to post videos meant to be comedy called the WIVB to defend Hy.
“I think it’s great for cops to be able to take some time out of their day to show the human side of the badge, that they have a sense of humor,” the officer known as Mike_theCop told the publication. “Sometimes maybe the sense of humor is missed by some, but it’s caught by a whole bunch of others.”
An officer who goes by Deputy_Hookem told the publication these videos show cops as people.
“I can tell you that there’s nobody that cares (more) about doing a good job as a cop and protecting the people of Buffalo than he does, and I think him putting his life on the line every day for the citizens of Buffalo really illustrates that,” he said.
Under the rules of the city and Police Benevolent Association, Hy can only be on unpaid suspension for up to 30 days.