NJ officers being investigated for rap videos

Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Four northern New Jersey police officers are facing an internal affairs investigation because of rap videos they appeared in while off duty.

Officer Maurice Gattison is president of the Irvington police union and performs as a rapper under the name "Gat the Great." The others are decorated officers.

One video features Gattison rapping about drinking, using an anti-gay epithet, calling himself a "felon for life" and telling others they might have to meet a Smith & Wesson.

Irvington Police Director Joseph Santiago tells The Star-Ledger of Newark the department has "standards of conduct" that apply to officers both on and off duty.

The township attorney, however, says Garrison's lyrics could be protected under the First Amendment.

Gattison says the music is a "lyrical exercise."

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