(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The police chief of Peoria Illinois has apologized for a controversial recruitment ad that evoked the violent video game “Call of Duty” and prompted many to question his department’s intent.
The ad posted on social media – and quickly taken down – showed white police officerrs in tactical gear and holding weapons, with text reading, “STOP PLAYING GAMES AND ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY #JOINPPD.”
The department got a ton of flak on social media and pushback from a range of officials, including Mayor Rita Ali and the head of the local NAACP, who told WMBD-TV the war imagery was inappropriate.
“We are all part of the community,” Marvin Hightower said.
Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said he heard the community loud and clear. The post was removed and he apologized. He said he thought the image would connect with a younger generation.
“We made a lot of strides with the relationships in this community, and we don’t want to put something out there that offends somebody. And if it did, that’s why we took it down,” Echevarria said.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram