DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit police officer has been fired from the force over a "racially insensitive" post on social media.
After interviewing more than 50 people, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said 11 allegations were sustained against Cpl. Gary Steele leading to the termination of the 18-year veteran -- effective immediately.
The chief told WWJ's Jon Hewett and other reporters that Steele, of Detroit's 6th Precinct, betrayed the trust between the DPD and the community.
"The allegations were specific in what we call three areas. Certainly, the social media post," the chief said. "Secondly, the improper characterization of community members, primarily African-American men and women whom officer Steel had contact with while working in the field; and lastly that fact that he knowingly made false statements during interviews with our internal affairs division.
The night of January 28, Steele and his partner stopped a driver for an expired plate on Stout St. near Joy Rd. on the city's west side. After pulling her over, Steele asked the young woman to get out because he was going to impound her vehicle.
Steele then shot and shared a video showing the woman as she was forced to walk home alone in the snow.
The post included the captions: "What black girl magic looks like" and "celebrating Black History Month."
Steele was suspended with pay while police looked into dozens of complaints concerning this and other instances where he used terms Craig called "derogatory, demoralizing, degrading," and, at times, "racially insensitive."
Craig said the decision in this case sends a message to everyone under his command.
"Young officers, many of them who come out of an academy, sometimes are fearful to talk about issues like this," the chief added. "And so this is an opportunity to flush this out, certainly reinforce to every office in the department that it's ok. That if you see something -- like we tell the public -- say something."
The second officer, whom Craig did not identify, remains suspended as an investigation into his conduct continues.
