Ithaca Police Chief John Barber responded Tuesday to an "alarming" and "offensive" photo that was taken of an Ithaca police officer and posted on Facebook.
The back of the unidentified officer's baseball cap says "Violence Does Solve Problems."
Barber said he conducted an internal investigation and the officer wearing the cap in the photo came forward and took full responsibility.
He said he was on lunch and grabbed a hat from his vehicle.
The cap is a commemorative cap by the “CRAFT” company owned by the Chris Kyle Foundation and Family. Kyle is known as the "American Sniper," who was killed in 2013.
Barber said the officer involved understood the negative impact and was deeply apologetic.
In a statement posted on the police department's Facebook page, Barber, in part, said:
"The officer articulated to me how sorry he was, clearly understanding the perspective he created and how negatively impactful and potentially damaging his actions were. Although not offering it as an excuse, he stated before going into the store he quickly grabbed the hat without thinking and in hindsight, understands that perception is a reality and the wearing of the cap while wearing an IPD uniform, was unprofessional and damaging to the IPD image.
"In addition to taking responsibility for his actions, he sent out an apology to his fellow co-workers, and the incident was addressed swiftly as a personnel matter. This officer in question made a mistake and I believe him when he says, he is deeply embarassed, apologetic, and has learned a valuable lesson from this error in judgment. I am most certain he will never repeat it.
As your Chief of Police, my officers and I will continue to strive for excellence and represent what the public expects and deserves; Integrity & Professionalism, while serving the Ithaca community. We will learn from this and move forward."