Texas Trooper Who Took Photo With Snoop Dogg Disciplined, Ordered To Seek Counseling

A Texas trooper who took a photo with rapper Snoop Dogg is now facing repercussions for his actions. The trooper has reportedly been disciplined and ordered to seek counseling.

As reported by TheGrio, Trooper Billy Spears was working at a festival when the veteran rapper asked for a picture with him. The image was later uploaded to Snoop's Instagram and, according to his lawyer, Spears was disciplined and told to go to counseling.

Spears reportedly faced discipline because troopers are not supposed to have meaningful interactions with known criminals.

"Spears took a photo with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background including numerous drug charges. The public figure posted the photo on social media and it reflects poorly on the agency," Spears' counseling record says.

Despite Spears' reiteration that Snoop was the one who wanted the picture, the department said that people should "use good judgment when taking photos with anyone while in uniform. Be mindful of social media outlets and how such photos can negatively affect the agency."

In the midst of Spears' claims, a spokeswoman for the department denied that an official reprimand took place.

"APD currently has a policy that states officers cannot have relationships with or associate with known criminals," she said. "Our officers taking a photo with the musician Snoop Dog is not a violation of this policy because it does not rise to the level of inappropriate association."

Last August, Ray J posed for a photo with LAPD officers following a traffic stop. It was later reported that the Los Angeles Police Department would launch an internal affairs investigation.

As previously reported, it is against policy for policemen to take pictures with a driver after letting him off the hook because it creates an appearance of impropriety.

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Snoop Dogg, Texas, Photo