A BPD officer has been returned to full duty after a photo of the officer "handing a firearm in an unsafe manner" at the Bakersfield Marathon this Sunday surfaced.

According to BPD, the incident occurred on November 18 while the officer was standing at a fixed post at the marathon. In a press release issued today, BPD says the entirety of the incident involved leaving the firearm unattended.

BPD says the incident was investigated and the officer has been returned to full duty. BPD Chief of Police Lyle Martin gave this statement:

“Our officers have a responsibility to act with public safety in mind at all times. Clearly what happened here is not consistent with the standards and policies of our Department, and we acted immediately to correct the issue. I have full confidence in all our officers.”

According to BPD, administrative action has been taken and, under state law, specific details involving personnel matters cannot be released.