Independent Firm Investigating Cop's Suspension Over Facebook Posts

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) -- Rochester' police chief says an internal investigation into an officer's social media posts will be turned over to an independent, outside firm.

Chief Roger Peterson also said Friday the police department's professional standards manager will be placed on paid leave until the investigation is over. Peterson says he was given information that he believes could compromise the department's ability to conduct an impartial inquiry.

Officer Ben Schlag was placed on leave earlier this month as the department investigated allegations that he posted on Facebook an image of a car running over protesters and another about shooting Muslims.

Peterson says standards manager Scott Hildebrand was placed on leave to avoid a possible conflict of interest.

The outside investigator will be chosen by the city of Rochester's Human Resources Department.

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