Ross police officer under review after reports of questionable social media posts

A Ross Township police officer’s social media posts are under review after a Pittsburgh radio station raised questions about them.

According to a story by WESA-FM on Tuesday, Sgt. Joseph “JJ” Serowik appears to have commented on Facebook posts that mocked protesters and joked about running them over. Serowik works in the department’s patrol division.

The story alleges that the two posts were made in early May on Serowik’s personal Facebook account, which did not identify him as a police officer.

Brian Kohlhepp, the police department’s public information officer, said the posts will be reviewed by the township’s labor solicitor. He said the solicitor will determine if the posts were in violation of a social media policy.

WESA published screenshots of posts that appear to have been made in May by Serowik. The reporter, Ariel Worthy, wrote that Serowik’s Facebook page was taken down after WESA made inquiries to Ross police last week.

One screenshot is of a May 6 post. It includes a meme of a woman aiming a handgun and a group of protesters. The photo is superimposed with “Why do conservatives own guns? Because Leftists block freeways, loot, throw Molotov cocktails, turn over cop cars, burn cities … and think this behavior is socially acceptable.”

Another is a video that Serowik allegedly reposted on May 10, along with a comment: “too funny.”

The video shows a man driving a vehicle while listening to the song “In the Air Tonight.” It is labeled, “When protesters blocking the road but I got a job to do.” There is synchronized jolting that implies the man is driving over people.

The township’s social media policy states, in part, that all township employees are “prohibited from posting content that is inconsistent with their duties and obligations as an employee of the Township. For example, racist or sexist comments, comments insulting groups on the basis on national origin, residents or the general public, all tend to undermine the public trust and confidence required by yourself, and the Township.”

In a statement, Kohlhepp said public employees are not afforded the same rights that allow people to freely express opinions via social media.

“Township employees are prohibited from having relation to their employment on their social media. These posts by Sgt. JJ Serowik do not reflect his status as a township employee. Posts like this are discouraged and may be a violation of township policy as they can be construed differently by different people and subject to the interpretation of those viewing them,” he said.

Kohlhepp said Serowik has assisted in blocking traffic so protesters could pass safely through an area. Kohlhepp also mentioned Serowik’s military service, having been deployed multiple times to promote “relations between the U.S. military and residents of the foreign host nations.”

Kohlhepp said Serowik remains employed by Ross Township. He said he did not know when the review would be concluded and what, if any, consequences Serowik may face should the posts be deemed a violation of policy.

The township’s solicitor, PJ Murray, was not immediately available for comment.

The township’s manager, Ronald Borczyk, declined to comment and deferred questions to the police department.