School resource officer Delvin White has been let go from his post after he was caught on camera using the "n-word" on camera. The Tampa Police Department stated that White was let go "for violations of policy that prohibit discriminatory conduct." Prior to being let go, White was an eight-year veteran who worked primarily at Middletown High School in Tampa, Florida.
The incident in question involves a phone call between White and one other person. As the two make small talk, White begins comparing his job to the other person's. During this portion of the conversation, White uses the "n-word" in reference to those in the area he's working.
"[My job is to make sure] some ghetto n----- don't get shot or stabbed," he said.
In the aftermath of the firing, the Tampa Police Benevolent Association has worked to reverse the department's decision. Earlier this week, Danny Alvarez of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association indicated that the organization will file a formal grievance in the coming days.
"We stand with the City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department in their efforts to stamp out racism in every form and condemn any and all derogatory statements in or out of uniform," Tampa Police Benevolent Association Spokesman Danny Alvarez said.
"The facts in the Delvin White matter do not reflect an act or any intent that warrants the punishment he received for his alleged transgression."
This is not the first time White has been caught on camera using the word. In November, he was caught on camera using the word during an arrest.
"Derogatory statements made by police officers jeopardize the trust that our department works to establish with our community," Tampa Police Department Chief Brian Dugan said.
"Tampa Police officers are held to a higher standard and incidents like this negatively impact the entire law enforcement profession."
Dugan and the department have maintained that the use of the word while on duty is "grounds for immediate dismissal."
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