Viroqua police have decided to remove a “Thin Blue Line” symbol from a new patrol car.
Mayor Karen Mischel says the move was made after concerns were raised by people living in the community.
The emblem of a black-and-white American flag with a blue line is associated with the support of police officers.
In a highly charged political time, it means something else to others.
Mischel says it has been co-opted and is now used in many racist and inappropriate ways. Discussions between the mayor, Police Chief Rick Niedfeldt, and Viroqua’s Diversity Board led to the removal.
