GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Green Bay Police Department is responding to public concern after a photo posted by the department showing five newly sworn-in recruit officers prompted comments about a visible tattoo on one of the recruits.
The department said the tattoo belongs to Recruit Officer Walden, who underwent the same extensive background investigation as all police applicants as part of the department’s standard hiring process.
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Police Chief Chris Davis released a statement addressing the concerns, saying the background investigation included a review of tattoos and other identifying markings and found nothing that raised concerns about bias, extremism or conduct inconsistent with department values.
According to the statement, Walden is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who received the tattoos while deployed overseas. He told investigators the American flag tattoo represents his patriotism and military service, while the “Three Percenter” tattoo was intended to symbolize resistance to tyranny, not affiliation with any extremist ideology or unlawful organization.
The department said investigators conducted reference checks with 22 people from across Walden’s personal and professional life, including co-workers, employers, friends, family members, fellow veterans and neighbors. Each was asked whether they had observed questionable behavior or bias. All references described Walden as a person of strong character and integrity, according to the statement…