Bedford, NH police officers suspended after investigation into on-duty TikTok videos

BEDFORD, New Hampshire — Two Bedford police officers have been suspended following an investigation into inappropriate on-duty social media postings.

One of the officers has been placed on an unpaid 22-working day suspension, while a second officer has been placed on an unpaid 8-day suspension after a six-week investigation into the matter, Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski said in a statement Saturday.

Also, both officers involved in posting a series of TikTok videos while on duty will be required to satisfactorily complete training on cultural awareness, diversity and implicit bias, the police chief said.

”The fact finding investigation into this matter was exhaustive, complete and thorough,” Bryfonski said. “The investigation developed the necessary facts and evidence, which was balanced against Department policies and procedures that explicitly prohibits such conduct.”

“This behavior on social media ran contrary to the expectations and requirements of a sworn police officer and damaged the confidence, trust and respect in the Bedford Police Department by the community,” Bryfonski said. “However, the culture of professionalism, empathy, caring for the community by our officers and their desire to provide our citizens with the very best in public safety services should not be judged by this aberration.”

The disciplined officers will have the opportunity to appeal their suspensions if they choose.

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