CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police is investigating after "inappropriate social media" posts were made by one of its officers in 2014.
A spokesperson for the department said Internal Affairs is looking into the matter. The officer, Ismail Quran, is currently on administrative duty, confirmed Cleveland police spokesperson Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia.
"The City of Cleveland, Division of Police was made aware of a matter involving a Cleveland Police Officer and inappropriate social media content posted in 2014. The matter has been referred to the Cleveland Division of Police Internal Affairs Unit and the City of Cleveland’s Ethics Officer for thorough investigation. The City of Cleveland, Division of Police insists that officers provide the highest levels of professionalism and respect to all citizens. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated," Ciaccia said.
Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Jeff Follmer said the tweets in question are from more than 10 years ago. News 5 has requested Quran's personnel record for details on when he became a Cleveland Police officer.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb released the following statement:
"It was recently brought to my attention that prior to being hired, a Cleveland Police officer posted inappropriate and hateful content on social media," said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "My administration is focused on improving the recruiting people free of this type of bias and racism through more thorough background checks, to include social media. Cleveland deserves nothing less. This matter is currently under investigation by the Division of Police Internal Affairs Unit and the City’s Chief Ethics Officer."
Quran was hired by the division of police in 2018. He is currently assigned to administrative duties.
CanaryMission.org brought the anti-Semitic tweets to light, which were then reported on by local media outlets. Canary Mission "documents individuals and organizations that promote hatred of the USA, Israel and Jews on North American college campuses," according to the organization's website.
"Ismail was Policeman of the Year and has assisted in many investigations being an asset to the Cleveland community that he serves," Follmer said. Records show he received the award in 2019.
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