DOVER, Del. — The Delaware State Police are commenting after an altered image of a trooper was shared on social media, calling the post “unacceptable and disrespectful.”
The photo, which appeared on the First State Update platform on April 21, depicted a trooper in tight, short shorts with the caption, “First look at the new summer trooper uniform – Parody.” As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the image remained online.
In a statement released by the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police Colonel William Crotty, the agency condemned the doctored image, especially because the trooper shown is a member of the department’s Honor Guard.
“The Delaware State Police imagery and uniform symbolize service and sacrifice for the community we love,” the statement read. “Our Honor Guard faithfully serves our agency in some of our most difficult times, giving comfort and care to our agency, the community, and the families of survivors.”
With National Police Week just weeks away, the Superintendent called the timing of the post “the epitome of poor judgment,” adding that it “defames our agency’s credibility and the entire first responder community.”
The agency also invited the social media site's managers to visit the Delaware State Police Museum to better understand the history and role of law enforcement in the state.