Springfield, Illinois – In a follow-up to our story (Springfield Police Officer says Alderman “Shawn Gregory is a fucking idiot” while addressing the block parties and shots fired calls), Sprinfield Police Officer, Andrew Barnes, has been reassigned and is under Internal Investigation after a Facebook status (copy of the facebook status is at the end of this article) that referred to Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory as “a fucking idiot.”
In a statement released to other media outlets, besides Springfield Leaks, who first broke the story, Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow released the following statement:
“The Springfield Police Department is aware of the inappropriate and unprofessional comments made by one of its members on social media directed at Alderman Shawn Gregory and Alderwoman Doris Turner. The Springfield Police Department does not condone this type of behavior nor is it reflective of the hard working men and women of the Springfield Police Department who go about their duties daily in a dedicated and professional manner. Upon being made aware of the incident, the officer in question was reassigned pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation. Due to this being a personnel matter, there will be no further comment at this time for the Springfield Police Department Administration.”
Springfield Mayor, Jim Langfelder, also released a statement to other media outlets, besides Springfield Leaks, who first broke the story, and said the following:
“Each and every one of us should realize that words matter, especially during these stressful times. It is important that we listen to one another and are able to express views and differences respectfully. Comments made about Alderman Gregory and Alderwoman Turner are not acceptable, nor condoned, and I know from personal experience how detrimental it can be to one’s family. We should respect each other, and work together through our differences to become a stronger community for all of us. In today’s society, I appreciate the fine work of the Springfield Police Department under difficult circumstances. We all need to strive together to maintain the highest standards.”
Stay tuned to Springfield Leaks as we bring more updates to this story.
