MARYLAND — Challenge coins depicting words and images many would consider offensive have prompted an investigation by Maryland State Police and caused concern for some of the agency's Black troopers.
In an email to Patch, a Maryland State Police spokesperson said the questionable coins were first brought to the attention of command staff on Jan. 19, 2022.
"An immediate investigation was ordered to confirm any possibility of someone from within the Department who may be involved with the design, manufacturing/purchase or sale of the coins," a statement from the agency read.
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Maryland State Police said they have been unable to identify anyone within the ranks responsible for violating department policy. The coins, however, can currently be bought on Ebay for a hefty price.
The latest challenge coin in question depicts female genitalia emblazoned with the Maryland State Police logo. It can currently be purchased online for $500. One side of it reads, "These p-----s can't take a pounding." The other side reads, "Generation Butt Hurt" and "I'm offended."
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Some Black troopers told NBC 4, which was the first news outlet to report the story, that they believe the coin is retaliation against their complaints about alleged racism and discrimination within the department.
"They are using the Maryland state brand to circulate these things, so something needs to be done, and it needs to be done now," Rodney Morris, former president of the Coalition of Maryland State Troopers, told the TV station.
Ryan Coleman, president of the Randallstown NAACP branch, told The Baltimore Sun that troopers who saw the coin felt it was an attempt to "downplay the plight of minority and women troopers at the state police."
This is not the first time the circulation of a challenge coin has raised eyebrows. According to NBC 4, a challenge coin shaped like male genitalia featuring the Maryland State Police logo and offensive language was circulated in 2021. A trooper was reportedly disciplined for it; however, it can still be purchased online.
As for the latest challenge coin, Maryland State Police is asking anyone who might know who is responsible for creating it to contact the Maryland State Police Internal Affairs Division at 410-653-4350.
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Vulgar Coins With Maryland State Police Logo Concern Black Troopers - Patch
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