Unauthorized Use Of Police Social Media Page Sparks Investigation In North Andover

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Police are investigating after an unauthorized user posted a comment on behalf of police using the department’s official Facebook page.

An investigation found that a former employee, who is not authorized to use the page, was able to access the North Andover Police Department’s Facebook page and left a comment on another user’s page, according to a statement.

The department has temporarily disabled its Facebook page during the investigation.

The former employee resigned in 2023 in lieu of termination after an internal affairs investigation sustained allegations of racially inappropriate comments, according to police.

An audit is being done by the town's information technology vendor of all relevant social media accounts and websites to ensure that no other unauthorized people access official government pages in the future.

“The inappropriate comment, made about a serious issue and speculating about possible pending litigation is deeply troubling, and this comment is certainly not in line with the policies, procedures and values of the North Andover Police Department,” Police Chief Charles Gray said in a statement. “I am deeply disturbed and troubled by these statements, and I pledge that we will conduct a thorough investigation, and review our social media practices to ensure that something like this does not happen again.

"Our Police Department prides itself on its mission and values, and this comment does not reflect the fine work done every day by the men and women of this department.”