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The Topeka Police Department in Kansas, USA, have apologized after drawing flak for a “light-hearted” Father’s Day tweet that some have called insensitive.
The police department took to its official Twitter account on Father’s Day, June 16, to call on people to turn in fathers with outstanding warrants and drugs.
“Does your child’s father have warrants? Is he carrying around any drugs? Has he been committing any crimes?” the police department said. “Want to give him a Father’s Day he’ll never forget? Call TPD and we’ll help your family make a memory that will last a lifetime.”
The police have since deleted the tweet following backlash from netizens including former Topeka mayoral candidate Spencer Duncan.
Duncan shared a screenshot of the tweet on his Twitter, which he called “unacceptable.”
“It’s insensitive & cruel. Posting it is counterproductive to work of department, erodes public trust and makes it more difficult for good officers to do their job,” Duncan said on June 16 (June 17 in the Philippines). “Apology, explanation need posted.”
This tweet, now deleted, is unacceptable from #Topeka Police Department. It's insensitive & cruel. Posting it is counterproductive to work of department, erodes public trust and makes it more difficult for good officers to do their job. Apology, explanation need posted. #topcity pic.twitter.com/crwP5wgAii
— Spencer L. Duncan (@SpencerLDuncan) June 16, 2019
Although humor has become a tool by some departments to connect with citizens online, Duncan added in a following tweet that the police department’s post goes beyond “bad humor.”
“Don’t want department to stop using humor when appropriate, but have to understand differences and that what they post does matter,” he said.
The Topeka Police Department has since apologized for their Father’s Day tweet and explained it was meant to be lighthearted.
“The tweet was meant to be humorous and light-hearted, but was hurtful to some,” it said. “After realizing this, the tweet was quickly deleted. We would like to sincerely apologize for this mistake.”
Apology regarding tweet: pic.twitter.com/him4coGASp
— Topeka Police Department (@Topeka_Police) June 17, 2019
The police department added it will use the incident as a learning experience and was appreciative of those who reached out to them.
“This will be a learning experience and goes to show that words, even when intended to be humorous, can be hurtful to others,” it said. “Thank you to all who reached out, letting us know how you felt.” /ra
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