BETHEL HEIGHTS (KFSM) -- The Bethel Heights Police Department fired a part-time officer Tuesday (Sept. 27) after he violated the department's social media policy.
The department said David Hastings' termination is effective immediately after it had a chance to review the comments he made on Facebook regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
"[The posts] completely blindsided me because I would not see this with this officer," said Cpl. Chastity Mahan, spokeswoman for the police department. "You cannot be discriminatory on Facebook, you cannot cause public alarm. When you work for the public, and are in the public view, you need to be careful of everything that comes out of your mouth. You are a public servant, and you just need to be careful."
Vida Biggins, the woman who sent the screenshots of Hastings' posts to Black Lives Matter leadership, said she is grateful the department acted quickly.
"I was so happy they did that. I think it shows most of the time police departments are out trying to do what they are supposed to do, which is protect people," Biggins said.
The department also wanted to make clear that Hastings' views and opinions are not shared by the Bethel Heights Police Department or its other officers.
The following comments were brought to the attention of the police department:
