An Alabama police chief issued an apology following an “insensitive” Facebook post made by one of his officers. The post featured a so-called “homeless quilt” constructed from cardboard signs apparently confiscated from individuals panhandling.
The since-deleted post showed two Mobile police officers holding up the makeshift quilt, smiling broadly. The quilt was made of various cardboard signs, presumably taken from homeless individuals who were panhandling in the city. The caption read, “Wanna wish everybody in the 4th precinct a Merry Christmas, especially our captain. Hope you enjoy our homeless quilt. Sincerely Panhandler patrol.”
The image was widely shared, garnering over 16,000 shares and 5,000 comments before it was taken down.
Mobile Chief Lawrence Battiste released a statement on Monday, apologizing for what he called an “insensitive gesture.” He stated, “Although we do not condone panhandling and must enforce the city ordinances that limit panhandling, it is never our intent or desire as a police department to make light of those who find themselves in a homeless state. Rather, our position has always been to partner with community service providers to help us help those faced with homelessness with hope to improve their quality of life.”
According to al.com, the two officers involved are recent graduates of the Mobile Police Academy. The photo appears to have been taken inside an office at the Mobile Police Department. FOX10 reported that an internal investigation is now underway.
In an interview with FOX10, Battiste stated, “We have to take responsibility for it, we did it. We have to own it at this point. Those officers were given a mandate of addressing those concerns of panhandling, unfortunately, they took it to a level that they should not have taken it too and for that as the Chief of Police I apologize.”
Mobile passed a panhandling law in 2010, restricting the practice to areas outside of the downtown area popular with visitors. Violators can face fines up to $500, community service, and up to 6 months in jail.
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