An innocent gesture in one corner of the Internet can take on a much more sinister significance in other reaches of the online universe.

That, says a Monmouth County police chief, is exactly what happened when his department posted a picture to Facebook Thursday showing an officer using a hand sign sometimes associated with white supremacism.

The Matawan Police Department's Facebook page is intentionally playful, says Chief Jason D. Gallo. Last month, for instance, the department posted a tongue-in-cheek warning reminding residents of some streets that they don't have "diplomatic immunity" from parking regulations.

"We try to keep it very cool, very lighthearted," Gallo said.

In that vein, a picture of some officers posted during Thursday's blizzard included a caption jokingly referring to them as "specially trained 'cuddlers'" who can be called upon to assist if residents lose heat.

Gallo decided to remove the post, however, after a commenter focused on a hand gesture used by one of the officers, an upside-down "OK" symbol that is considered code by members of the white power movement.

But the gesture can also have a much more benign significance, referring to the circle game. Similar to "punch buggy," the circle game is a playground contest in which the loser usually gets a sock in the arm. That, Gallo said, was the officer's meaning.

"The circle game, that kids play in school," Gallo said. "Someone tried to say it was something racial. It's just ridiculous."

"Unfortunately something nice turned into us being in the news," added Gallo, who fielded calls from multiple media outlets. "That's why a lot of departments are not on social media."

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.