UPDATE: Fall River Chief Cardoza, Coogan, issue statements concerning FRPD post on Derek Chauvin, George Floyd

An uproar occurred on social media in Fall River Wednesday morning after a social media post on the Fall River Police Department’s Facebook page.

We received several complaints concerning the post that has since been removed.

The post was also spreading throughout Facebook and Twitter in the Fall River area.

The FRPD issued the following statement concerning the post.

“It is with regret that the Fall River Police Department’s Facebook page was accessed by personnel who inadvertently re-posted an opinion that was meant for their own personal account. The posting in no way represents the opinion of the Chief of Police or the Fall River Police Department. We will continue our commitment toward transparency and building relationships with our community.”

Fall River Reporter interviewed Fall River Chief of Police Jeffrey Cardoza Wednesday afternoon concerning the post.

An additional statement was released by Chief Cardoza on Wednesday.

“Today, a member of this organization thought they were re-posting an opinion to their personal Facebook page. This individual is one of a few designated officers who has access to the Department’s official Facebook page.

Today’s posting in no way reflects the beliefs of this organization. I am personally disappointed these attitudes exist. Through training, we have been and will continue to ensure our staff practices fair and impartial policing.

We will thoroughly investigate and address this incident, up to and including disciplinary action. Members of the Fall River Police Department will continue to work hard in service to all citizens of Fall River, and strive to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect.”

Mayor Coogan also issued the following statement on Wednesday.

“The post shared to the Fall River Police Department Facebook page was disappointing, frustrating and unacceptable. While the Fall River Police Department is full of great men and women who care deeply for our community, there is no place in the FRPD for an opinion like that shared today. The post, despite being intended for a personal page, contains beliefs completely incompatible with my hopes for the Fall River Police Department. Chief Jeff Cardoza has been diligently working to change the culture of the Fall River Police Department and I will personally be following up with the Chief to address lingering opinions like those shared today. While I am saddened by the harm that the statement has caused, it has reminded us of the hard work we have yet to do to create transparent, strong relationships between the FRPD and our community.”

On Thursday morning, Chief Cardoza released more information.

“The officer involved has been transferred to an assignment that has no contact with the public. There is going to be an independent investigator from outside the agency assigned to this case.”