Bartow police officer fired following racist comment on Facebook
BARTOW — Bartow police Officer Christina Arribas was fired late Thursday for reasons stemming from a racist comment on Facebook, along with photos of herself in uniform.
In a letter to Arribas, Police Chief Joe Hall cited her inability to testify in court proceedings as the reason for her termination. She lost that ability earlier this month after State Attorney Brian Haas learned of the racial comment and informed her that he would no longer accept her testimony in court.
Arribas had worked for the Bartow Police Department since 2006 and was being paid $44,690 annually.
In his letter, Hall said Arribas had represented herself in a pre-disciplinary hearing Thursday, and he had considered the information she provided.
“I have also considered the fact that you can no longer testify in the 10th Judicial Circuit, which is the circuit that members of the Bartow Police Department must file their complaints for arrest.” Hall wrote. “An officer who cannot testify in this circuit is no longer able to fulfill this essential function of the job necessary in order to complete the mission of the Bartow Police Department.”
In November, a complaint was filed against Arribas stemming from a Facebook post that read: “This year we lost two gorillas. One is in heaven, and one is moving out of the White House. One will be missed, one will not be.”
While investigating that complaint, department administrators discovered she had posted photos of herself in uniform — both of which violate department policy, according to the department’s internal investigation. She was suspended for 23 hours for both violations.
On March 9, a Winter Haven group staged a protest calling for her termination, which brought the incident to Haas’ attention.
In his letter to Arribas, Haas said, "Today, I was made aware that you recently made public comments on social media that are most concerning and racially offensive. The comments cast serious doubt on your ability to objectively fulfill your duties as a police officer.
“Our office must be able to vouch for the credibility of the officers who testify on behalf of the State of Florida,” he went on. “The evidence of your bias is so strong, that your credibility is damaged to the point that this office will no longer us you as a witness in any of our cases.
Arribas, 33, couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.
• Bartow police officer on paid leave after racist comment protested
• Racist comment about Obama sparks protest against Bartow police officer