In terms of being a Law Enforcement official in Philadelphia, there might be a little left to be desired. As part of becoming a police officer a background check in standard but sometimes what you need to know is literally right under your nose. That’s what they found out with one police officer in particular with a Nazi tattoo on his left arm.
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From a photo posted on Facebook by Evan Parrish Matthews showed the now identified officer Ian Hans Lichterman with a Nazi Party tattoo called a “Partileader”. That’s not all, according to Philadelphia’s anti-facist activists, Lichterman has long ties with white supremacist groups and a member of the Blood of Honour as an “International network of Neo-Nazi organization.” It is also said that he has pictures of him partaking in Nazi reenactments.
Lichterman’s identity hasn’t been confirmed by Philadelphia police but he is listed on the departments payroll and was present in a 9/11 remembrance event in 2011 as an officer. The police department has issued a statement.
“The Philadelphia Police Department is aware of the image being displayed and circulated on social media. The post and photograph of the officer with tattoos displayed on his forearms was brought to our attention this morning, and we have forwarded it to internal affairs for review.
Currently, the department does not have a specific policy regarding the wearing /displaying of tattoos; however, the department will quickly move to assess and determine the appropriate policy moving forward.
The Department does not condone anything that can be interpreted as offensive, hateful or discriminatory in any form. This is a very sensitive topic for both the citizens that we serve as well as the officers providing service to the public. We must ensure that all constitutional rights are adhered to while at the same time ensuring public safety and public trust aren’t negatively impacted.”
.@PPDCommish hi can you please explain why one of your officers, ian hans lichtermann, has a nazi tattoo on him? thx pic.twitter.com/CK9nAuiCGW
— mindy isser (@mindyisser) September 1, 2016
The tattoo in question is not particular to the German Leftist Party that Hitler created. Even the US uses an eagle in many of its organizations. His participation in reenactments and owning memorabilia from German Police does not make him racist or nazi sympathizer as an American german/jew any more than flying a mexican flag and loving tacos would be for a mexican. If as an American of French and Scottish heritage, would me wearing a clan kilt while eating croisants be racist? No. I see blacks wearing african clothing and advocating Kwanzaa (not a real african holiday) and they are not racist?
Ms. Issar and Mr. Matthews (anglicized scottish name I will add; from scottish, “Mayhew” clan) need to work a bit on themselves here and stop trying to create crap out of nothing. I also don’t think mush of poverty law center views anyway. They consider veterans who are christian to be terrorists anyway.