A Portland police officer has been assigned to desk duty after posting a tweet about upcoming Black Lives Matter protests slated for Thursday Friday in Portland.

The Portland Police Bureau sent out a cryptic press release shortly before 5 pm, describing the situation in loose terms, but not identifying the officer or the controversial comments. A bureau spokesman hasn't returned our calls. However, the tweet in question appears to be from Officer John Hurlman, a 24-year veteran of the bureau. Screenshots circulating around the web this afternoon suggest Hurlman wrote: "Oh joy, stuck late again at work to babysit these fools" in response to the planned demonstrations near the Lloyd Center. Here's the screenshot that's been making rounds.

Update, 5:36 pm: A PPB spokesman confirms the content of the tweet in question, but says the bureau won't officially confirm Hurlman's involved.

hurlman.jpg

The PPB's press release quotes Acting Chief Donna Henderson as saying:

"Once I learned of this post, I ordered this officer reassigned to an off-street assignment while this incident is being reviewed by the Professional Standards Division. This post is in no way a reflection on how members of the Portland Police Bureau view these community groups or their peaceful expression of free speech. Just as with any protest or demonstration, police will work to ensure a safe, secure and orderly event for all community members and to minimize disruptions to traffic.

"We understand that tensions are running high across the United States, especially with recent incidents in other cities. At the Portland Police Bureau, we are mindful of that and remain committed to building relationships and trust in the community we serve."

It's not Hurlman's first poorly-considered-sentiment rodeo. Back in 2012, when federal investigators announced Portland police had a disturbing pattern of using force on people in mental health crises, Hurlman caught flack for a text he sent out to other officers, criticizing the US Department of Justice.

More recently, he was honored for helping to safe the life of a suicidal teen.

According to Hurlman's Linkedin profile, he was an officer in Los Angeles before joining the Portland Police Bureau in 1991.