USA – Cop quits after white supremacist views were exposed

A Springfield police officer who police said was linked to “racist and disturbing” online posts has resigned from his job. 

Authorities said Aaron Nichols was first placed on unpaid administrative leave with no police power after the posts were revealed through a blog post. He was ordered to meet with Springfield police internal affairs investigators at  a.m. Tuesday. 

Before that interview started, police said Nichols resigned from his position as a police officer for Springfield. 

Police had reported there were comments posted on social media by Nichols using an online profile. An internal investigation was launched after this discovery.

“The Springfield Police Department is committed to a complete and thorough investigation into the comments and actions of Aaron Nichols, regardless of his resignation,” a press release from police said. 

Chief Ken Scarlette said he has reached out to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard’s Board to request Nichols become decertified as an officer.

“He should not serve in law enforcement capacity again,” Chief Scarlette said.

Aldermen weighed in on the issue Monday night during a city council meeting. Alderman Shawn Gregory said as a young black man, he was particularly disturbed to see these kinds of posts from a law enforcement officer.

“I believe in this police department. I know some good guys. Definitely have had run-ins, I’ve been to jail, been wrong and not wrong. But in my role here, I’ve grown a great great respect,” Gregory, the Alderman for Ward 2, explained.

Alderman are now calling for police to continue their investigation into Nichols’ record.

“That his arrests are reviewed, because clearly there was- as Alderman Gregory pointed out- he didn’t miss anyone in his hate,” Alderwoman Erin Conley, of Ward 8, said at council Monday night.

Chief Scarlette will cohost a Unity Forum with the NAACP and Jewish Federation, next Wednesday, in the hopes of continuing to learn and grow alongside the community.

“This behavior is in no way indicative of the beliefs of the 200+ officers that serve and protect our community on a daily basis,” Chief Scarlette said.

State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) issued a statement voicing her disapproval of the officer’s comments. 

“The comments and views that have been unearthed are shocking and disgusting,” Turner said. “They are an affront to our great community and the remarkable men and women of the police department that serves it. I believe there needs to be a thorough, independent investigation of this former officer and his conduct. But I want to thank the department for taking swift action, and I hope to be a resource as we move forward together as a community.”