Given the success some commerical enterprises have had with using Twitter hashtags as promotional gimicks, the New York City Police Department decided to give it a shot.
What they got amounted to a shock in return.
A number of Twitter users co-opted the #MyNYPD hashtag and began posting photos of alleged police brutality.
Dang lol RT @SimplyCecilia: Jesus RT @MoreAndAgain: The #NYPD will also help you de-tangle your hair. #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/ilKzuhlPrV
— J.B.Ogundana (@MsOgundana) April 22, 2014
Occupy Wall Street took advantage of the opportunity to join in, as well.
Need a lift? The #NYPD‘s got you! Free Delivery, Only at #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/AStS3ZjoZu
— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallStNYC) April 22, 2014
The NYPD has yet to officially comment.