US police officer suspended for boasting "shooting people gets money"
A US police officer who bragged that he would receive "a ton of money" if he shot someone has been suspended pending investigation.
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| Police officers in Hartford city. Photo: Facebook. |
"If anyone wants to fight or run away, I'll be happy. I'm not going to lie. I'll get paid a ton of overtime if I shoot someone,"RTquoted police Sergeant Stephen Barone speaking to a group of young men suspected of trespassing in a video posted on August 10.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 9 in Hartford, Connecticut. The three-minute video has resulted in Barone being suspended from work.
"Such statements are completely unacceptable under any circumstances or for any purpose. They demonstrate a disregard for our basic principles and the standards we hold ourselves to," Hartford Assistant Police Chief Rafael Medina said in a statement. "Not only is this language frightening, it also portrays a law enforcement officer who takes the use of force lightly."
Barone is a former soldier. Two years ago, he was suspended for four days for kicking a suspect while he was handcuffed. Despite his troubles, Barone was later promoted to sergeant. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin called Barone's actions in the video "disappointing" and "deeply damaging."