POLKTON, N.C. -- A controversial social media post by Polkton police about parents disciplining their children has received a lot of attention from parents.

Chief Matthew Norris posted on the department's Facebook page that parents should stop thinking social services will get involved if they discipline their child.

He apologized for the post in a two-page letter stating the picture is in poor taste and child abuse is never OK. He went on to say, "The Polkton Police Department does not in any way promote or allow children to be victims of physical abuse."

The Polkton Police Department's Facebook page has also been deleted.