RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State Police and the Richmond Police Department said their agencies are in no way affiliated with so-called challenge coins.
Photos of the coins, which reference the racial justice unrest in Richmond following George Floyd's death and a controversial 2019 traffic stop in northern Virginia, have been circulating on social media.
"The Department did not request, purchase, or distribute the challenge coins, nor does RPD know who did," Richmond Police officialsposted on Facebook Saturday afternoon. "Chief Smith vehemently opposes the false representation of these unsanctioned challenge coins."
A state police spokesperson said a related "personal matter" involving one employee has been addressed under their disciplinary policy.
"Unprofessional imagery is detrimental to the Virginia State Police, our employees, and our mission," the spokesperson said.
Additionally, officials with both agencies said they do not benefit from the sales of the coins.
