Peoria cop demoted over Facebook posting

February 28, 2012

A Peoria Police Officer will face punishment over an internet posting that some argued threatened the president. Last month, Peoria Police Sergeant Patrick Shearer posted a picture on Facebook showing a bullet-riddled t-shirt with the face of President Barack Obama.

Tuesday, the Peoria P.D. announced that Shearer will be demoted to the rank of Officer and serve an unpaid, 80 hour suspension. Police Chief Roy Minter said in a statement that police code warns employees not to bring discredit or embarrassment to the city or the police department.

The picture first received attention after someone reported it to the Secret Service as a possible threat. To date, they haven’t taken any action. Shearer has ten working days to appeal his demotion and suspension. Full details of the investigation won’t be released until after the appeals process.