LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville Metro Corrections officer has been suspended without pay for "unacceptable" social media posts.
Screenshots from what is believed to be officer Jenna Showalter's Facebook show multiple posts and photos about the Confederate flag, including one article that says "slavery is a choice," arguing the Confederate flag "isn't about race, it's about freedom."
Metro Corrections Director Dwanye Clark confirmed Showalter was suspended, and said he has directed an internal investigation into the posts.
“The men and women of Metro Corrections work hard every day to treat people with compassion and equity," Metro Corrections Director Dwanye Clark said in a statement. "Officer Showalter’s social media posts were completely unacceptable, bring discredit to our department and will not be tolerated."
In a letter, Clark said Showalter violated LMDC's Employee Code of Ethics and Conduct as well as its Social Networking policy.
The Metro Corrections lengthy Social Networking Policy prohibits posts "that express ridicule, bias, disrespect or prejudice against any individual or protected class."
"When you work in a public office, especially law enforcement, you're held to a higher standard, you're put under a microscope, and everything you do is watched," explained Metro Corrections FOP Lodge 77 President Daniel Johnson. "We should be an example, and we should be mindful about the things that we're posting."
Johnson said officers are trained on the the social media policies during the academy.
"About once a year, they'll also send out reminders for people to refresh [them], this is the policy, these are thing you should do, things that you shouldn't do," Johnson said.
Showalter has been with LMDC since November 2016. During her suspension she cannot work as a Peace Officer and must secure her weapon.
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