Police chief apologizes for 'insensitive' viral photo of officers holding 'homeless quilt'

The chief of an Alabama police department apologized Monday following backlash surrounding a Facebook post with a photo of two smiling officers posing with a "homeless quilt" constructed from panhandling signs. 

Mobile Police Chief Lawrence Battiste called the photo an "insensitive gesture." It shows the officers holding a collection of panhandling signs – "Anything helps" can be seen on a couple of the signs and "Need help" is written on some of the others. 

"Although we do not condone panhandling and must enforce the city ordinances that limit panhandling, it is never our intent or desire as a police department to make light of those who find themselves in a homeless state," Battiste said in a Facebook post. 

"Rather, our position has always been to partner with community service providers to help us help those faced with homelessness with hope to improve their quality of life," he said.

A screenshot of the Facebook post has been shared thousands of times across social media. Battiste's apology, posted to the Mobile Police Department's Facebook page, had more than 3,000 comments as of Monday night, with many condemning the photo. 

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The Mobile Police Department identified the officers in the photo as Preston McGraw and Alexandre Olivier, both Mobile Police Academy graduates. The department said both men are still on duty, but an administrative investigation has begun to determine if the officers should face disciplinary action or additional training. 

The photo was posted with the caption, "Wanna wish everybody in 4th precinct a Merry Christmas, especially our captain. Hope you enjoy our homeless quilt!"

It's signed, "Sincerely, Panhandler patrol." 

Mobile passed a panhandling law in 2010 that states panhandling is allowed only outside of a popular downtown area. Panhandling within the area can result in fines, community service or jail time. 

Contributing: The Associated Press