An Illinois police department has apologized after a recruiting ad, which had a “Call of Duty” theme, faced backlash for being “tone-deaf.”
“It was never my intention to offend any of our community members with the recruitment flyer that was posted on our Facebook page yesterday (02/27/24),” said Peoria Police Department Police Chief Eric Echevarria, in a statement to Fox News Digital. .
The post, which was themed around the violent war simulation video game series, was posted on the Peoria Police Department's Facebook page and has since been removed after community members found it offensive.
The ad showed Peoria Police Department officers wearing tactical gear and pulling out weapons.
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The Peoria Police Department removed a recruiting ad with the theme “Call of Duty.” (Peoria Police Department/Facebook)
“Stop playing and answer Call of Duty,” the ad read along with the hashtag JoinPPD.
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Police Chief Echevarría said the ad was designed to “connect with a younger generation.”
“It was just a recruiting image that I thought would attract and connect with a younger generation,” Echevarría said. “I take ownership of this and sincerely apologize. Our goal is to recruit the best and most qualified officers to this police department in the most thoughtful and respectful manner.”
The Peoria Police Department apologized after publishing a recruiting ad that some called “tone-deaf.” (Peoria Police Department)
People online were quick to call the recruitment announcement “tone-deaf.”
“Someone thought this would generate interest among young people and didn't realize it was tone deaf,” one user said in a Reddit post.
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“If you are advertising people to serve your community, it is important how you are representing that service,” wrote another.
“Ouch,” said another.
