A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper got into some trouble with his department after he took a photo with rapper Snoop Dogg.
Trooper Billy Spears was working at a festival when Snoop asked for a picture with him. After the image appeared on the rapper’s Instagram with the caption “Me n my deputy dogg,” Spears was, according to his lawyer, disciplined and told to go to counseling.
The reason behind the discipline? Troopers are not supposed to have meaningful interactions with known criminals. “Spears took a photo with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background including numerous drug charges. The public figure posted the photo on social media and it reflects poorly on the agency,” says Spears’ counseling record.
In response to Spears’ claims that Snoop was the one who wanted the picture, the department said that people should “use good judgment when taking photos with anyone while in uniform. Be mindful of social media outlets and how such photos can negatively affect the agency.”
A spokeswoman for the department denied that an official reprimand took place, saying, “APD currently has a policy that states officers cannot have relationships with or associate with known criminals. Our officers taking a photo with the musician Snoop Dog is not a violation of this policy because it does not rise to the level of inappropriate association.”