HOUSTON — The Houston Police Department is investigating an officer accused of making racist remarks in a video circulating on social media, as local officials and advocacy groups call for her dismissal.
Police identified the officer as Ashley Gonzalez, who has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, according to a department spokesperson.
The video shows a woman making repeated derogatory comments about Black people and using racial slurs. Under department policy, officers are prohibited from engaging in speech that could be interpreted as racial or religious slurs, whether on or off duty.
Edward Pollard and civil rights advocate Candice Matthews called for Gonzalez to be fired following the video’s release. Pollard said the conduct undermines public trust in law enforcement, while Matthews said the officer’s actions violate the responsibility of policing.
The Houston Police Officers’ Union also condemned the remarks. Union President Douglas Griffith said the organization does not tolerate racist behavior and expects the department to take appropriate action after verifying the video.
The Afro American Police Officers League and the NAACP Houston Branch issued separate statements denouncing the comments, stating that such conduct is incompatible with law enforcement duties.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
