Police Union To Keep Eye On Forum

In the past, Bader has said the message board was much like a bulletin board and that it was facilitated -- but not regulated or censored -- by the union. He also has said anonymity is crucial because many officers otherwise would not feel at liberty to criticize supervisors and departmental policy.

"The balance needs to be struck better," Davis said. "Walt Bader is now recognizing that anonymity cannot be at the expense of allowing sexist and abusive comments."

The messages cited in The Post's story -- including one that called a black policewoman a "ghetto" officer and one that referred to Latino immigrants as "beaners" -- are "rare occurrences," Davis said.

"One instance of bigotry or other inappropriate comments by a police officer is one instance too many," Davis said.

The issue has drawn attention to the entire police department, provoking criticism from politicians, community leaders and other people.

Manger has said he was not fully aware of the spiteful nature of some of the messages until a reporter brought them to his attention, and he has blocked access to the board from county computers. He held a meeting with his African American, Hispanic and Asian advisory boards Wednesday night to discuss the issue, and he e-mailed a statement to Spanish-language media outlets to convey his consternation.

"I sincerely think that these were cowardly words that do not reflect our actions," the chief said in the statement, which was in Spanish. "However, I want to know if there is someone who has evidence that he or she has been treated inappropriately by any member of this department. I want to assure you that this will be treated seriously and carefully investigated by our internal affairs department."

He did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment last night.