Baltimore Police Union Takes Issue With Officers' Portrayal On SNL

Police officers in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch last week were shown wearing Baltimore police uniforms, and the head of the city's police union isn't taking too kindly to it.

"As you are most likely aware, the Baltimore Police Department is currently a very beleaguered agency in the throes of massive amounts of criticism and disrespect," Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 President Gene Ryan wrote in an open letter to executive producer Lorne Michaels. "Many of our young members, especially our young ones, are struggling with their choice of career and we are losing good and credible members daily."

The sketch depicted three female police officers sexually harassing a driver, played by host Seth Meyers, during a traffic stop.

The sketch featured Baltimore native Ego Nwodim, a newcomer to the "Saturday Night Live" cast. Kate McKinnon also polished off an accent last used in a 2016 "Weekend Update" sketch as "Sturdy Barbie," a character who claimed to work at a BWI Marshall Airport lost luggage counter.

Ryan wrote that the portrayal was "very unfortunate."

"Some may think it funny, and clearly you and your cast and crew do as well," Ryan wrote. "We, on the other hand, believe that humor at the expense of our brave membership is not humor at all."