Video: Officers appeal denied

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- An ongoing debate on whether a Columbus Police officer was wrongly suspended ended Thursday. Officer Jared Booth was suspended 28 days for violating the city’s social media policy.

After a brief executive session, the Civil Service Commission said it found good cause for Booth’s suspension and upheld the city council’s decision. In the open meeting, the posts Officer Booth shared on Facebook where shown, which included posts the city deemed sexual in nature and racially insensitive.

Booth admitted to the posts but believes there was nothing wrong with them. He questioned Police Chief Lewis and a city councilmen on how they handled other disciplinary actions and the process taken in his case.

Lewis says his officers are held to a higher standard and urges everyone to think twice before posting to social media.

“We are vital part of this community and we want people to be able to trust us. There has to be a sense of professionalism when we’re doing this job, and I think they saw that and made their decision and sided with the mayor and city,” said Chief Lewis.

City Attorney Jeff Turnage and the commission both say those kinds of posts won’t be tolerated by those working with or for the city.

Booth is back to work now as his suspension has ended.