SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Two North Texas police officers have been fired after drawing a swastika as a joke, according to the Southlake Police Department.
On June 14, 2023, Southlake Police Chief James Brandon says he was made aware that a swastika was drawn during a break in a meeting involving members of the police department and shared with others.
The drawing was an inexcusable attempt at humor, Brandon said, and not related to the department's patch or logo. Brandon says he began an internal investigation after finding out about the drawing and fired the two officers "who showed exceptionally poor judgement and a lack of leadership during this incident," Brandon said.
"As chief, I am deeply disappointed in the lack of judgment shown by the actions of the officers involved," Brandon said in a press release. "I know that their actions do not reflect the values of the men and women who serve and protect our community each day, our city leadership, our organization, or our community."
"Hate symbols do not reflect the values that we share as public servants and are not acceptable in any form or situation. The display of a symbol of hate undermines the confidence of the public in our department and does not reflect our values as public servants."