An unofficial challenge coin circulated among some Baltimore police officers is stirring controversy and reaction.- Download the WBAL appThe coin purports to be a memento of Baltimore's riots in both 2015 and 1968. It uses depictions of batons, a mask, a police badge and the phrases "Hats and bats" and "Hold the line."The Police Department said it does not condone the coins."When you see things like this that are so clearly offensive and counterproductive to the work that we are trying to do to build bridges of trust between the police and communities, I see it as done out of hurt," Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.The mayor and the police commissioner recently presented city police officers with official mementos, recognizing officers' service during the riots.

An unofficial challenge coin circulated among some Baltimore police officers is stirring controversy and reaction.

- Download the WBAL app


The coin purports to be a memento of Baltimore's riots in both 2015 and 1968. It uses depictions of batons, a mask, a police badge and the phrases "Hats and bats" and "Hold the line."

The Police Department said it does not condone the coins.

"When you see things like this that are so clearly offensive and counterproductive to the work that we are trying to do to build bridges of trust between the police and communities, I see it as done out of hurt," Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.

The mayor and the police commissioner recently presented city police officers with official mementos, recognizing officers' service during the riots.