“We would hope that the public officials empowered to oversee the police department would adhere to the same standard of care and conduct that is expected of its officers,” the statement read. “While the RPA and SOA greatly value the ability to maintain a community dialogue on issues of public concern, we fail to see how the widespread posting of photos that denigrate the service and sacrifice of the officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe helps cultivate that discussion.”

City Attorney Scott Letteney said that according to state statutes, Freeman could only be removed with “cause,” defined as “inefficiency, neglect of duty, official misconduct or malfeasance in office,” by three-fourths approval from the City Council. The RPA and SOA are filing a complaint to initiate that process, according to the statement.

“The RPA and SOA are currently in the process of determining the necessary steps to file an official complaint with the City for the removal of a Police and Fire Commissioner, and have no further comment on this matter at this time,” it read.