From The Tribune staff reports
HOMEWOOD — Action has been taken against Homewood police officer Jon Newland, who posted a controversial rap video to social media on May 16.
According to reports on July 21, Newland has been suspended and demoted from the rank of corporal to officer.
The video in question was posted to his Instagram, which has been deactivated. The 54-second clip shows Newland singing “I wear black and blue, professional gunslinger, rap singer too” and ends with him looking at the camera and saying, “my ways are a blaze of mysterious smoke, around your neck I flex this choke.”
Public complaints quickly followed the post, causing the Homewood Police Department to take action. The department placed Newland on leave on June 19, more than a month after the video surface.
Homewood police said the department was not aware of the post until June 18.
