One of the four Florida police officers who has been raking in attention for photos posted to Facebook by their department is now being investigated for anti-Semitic comments.
The original photo that sparked the “hot cops” label, a selfie with three officers, Hamill in the middle, is no longer on the Gainesville Police Department Facebook page, although the selfie is included in a video post shared to the page.
“Several citizens have brought information to our attention regarding complaints against Officer Michael Hamill. GPD takes these allegations extremely seriously,” reads the post. “Officer Hamill has been suspended with pay.”
The anti-Semitic comments in question are from posts made on Hamill’s Facebook page in 2011 and 2013. Hamill joined Gainesville PD just last year. Hamill’s Facebook page has since been deactivated.
“so I find it funny that people will talk about how our government needs to do something about our economy and in reality its YOU who needs to stop taking advantage of our system and get a life and do something with your life. Gotta love reality when it hits you in the face. Stupid people annoy me. put them in an oven and deal with them the hitler way. haha”
The April 23, 2013, post reads:
“who knew that reading jewish jokes before I go to bed would not only make me feel better about myself but also help me to sleep better as well. here is one for everybody. ”What’s the difference between boy scouts and Jews?“ anybody know? well it is because ‘Boy scouts come back from their camps.’”
The Gainesville Police still plan to create a calendar of their officers to capitalize on the attention they are getting for their looks. The calendar suggestion was made by commenters on the Facebook page who want to see more of the officers. They suggested the proceeds go to charities dealing with hurricane relief. They have not stated whether Hamill will still be a part of that project.