UW-Madison police chief bans 'Thin Blue Line' imagery

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UW-Madison police chief bans 'Thin Blue Line' imagery University of Wisconsin-Madison’s police chief has banned officers from using “Thin Blue Line” imagery while on duty

MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Madison's police chief has banned officers from using “Thin Blue Line” imagery while on duty.

The move by Chief Kristen Roman follows criticism on social media of a “Thin Blue Line” flag displayed at the police department's office. The flag, which resembles a U.S. flag but has a blue stripe, is considered a sign of police solidarity, but has also been criticized as a symbol of white supremacy.

Roman said the flag has been “co-opted” by extremists with “hateful ideologies” and that her department needs to distance itself from the imagery to build trust with the community, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

“We must consider the cost of clinging to a symbol that is undeniably and inextricably linked to actions and beliefs antithetical to UWPD’s values,” she said in a Jan. 15 email.

Roman said the ban on public displays of “Thin Blue Line” imagery includes flags, pins, bracelets, notebooks, coffee mugs and other items. Tattoos are the exception.

“Thin Blue Line” flags were among those displayed by rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in an attempt to overturn the election defeat of former President Donald Trump. Five people, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer, died in the riot.

DerelictDonkeyEngine on January 29th, 2021 at 14:48 UTC »

“Thin Blue Line” flags were among those displayed by rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in an attempt to overturn the election defeat of former President Donald Trump. Five people, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer, died in the riot.

I'd imagine the footage of a mob waving that flag while beating police officers to death must have made some police stop and think.

Bigred2989- on January 29th, 2021 at 14:07 UTC »

While they're at it they should ban the Punisher logo on their gear, too.

chrisn3 on January 29th, 2021 at 13:50 UTC »

Good, the American flag works just fine.