Matawan Police Delete Possibly Offensive Facebook Post

MATAWAN, NJ - A police officer who made a hand sign sometimes associated with white supremacy was actually using an innocuous gesture associated with a children's game but the post was nonetheless deleted from the department's Facebook page, according to Police Chief Jason D. Gallo.

The Matawan Police Department's Facebook page is intentionally playful, Gallo explained in a post in nj.com,which publishes The Star Ledger.

Last month, for instance, the department posted a joking warning reminding residents of some streets that they don't have "diplomatic immunity" from parking regulations.

"We try to keep it very cool, very lighthearted," Gallo said to the website.

A photograph of some officers posted during Thursday's storm included a reference to officers as "specially trained 'cuddlers" who can be called upon for help if residents lose heat.

Gallo decided to remove the post, however, after someone centered upon the hand gesture made by an officer - an upside-down "OK" symbol that is used by some members of the white power movement, according to the post in nj.com.

But the gesture also has a less offensive history and is an element found on a child's playground in the form of "the circle game," in which the loser typically gets a punch in the arm.

That was the officer's meaning, the chief said. A quick internet search shows that there are a variety of other meanings for the symbol from references to black magic to "if you look at this, you are stupid."

"Someone tried to say it was something racial. It's just ridiculous," Gallo told the site. "Unfortunately, something nice turned into us being in the news," said Gallo. "That is why a lot of departments are not on social media."

Matawan Police remove possibly offensive post. Image via Shutterstock.