It is part of a campaign to recruit new staff, but Kent Police’s latest poster has led some to think officers are now escaping from jail.
The advertisement seen around the county is part of the #MoreThanTheBadge drive and features a smiling armed officer wearing a baseball cap.
A tagline reads: “From first responder to prison absconder.”
It is the latest in a series of adverts which the force have so far hailed a success and began appearing in March. But unlike its predecessors, the advert has been met with head scratching.
Twitter user Cynical Gentleman wrote: “A little confused by the advert. Does this mean the officer has now escaped from prison?”
Also on Twitter, Theresa Ferguson said: “Am I missing something with this advert? Your others in this group are great, but there is a mixed message with this one.”
Kent Police was asked by the Times for a clarification. By way of response, the force issued a statement but did not wish to comment on this individual poster.
Earlier this year county Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott announced a £1-per-month council tax rise for Band D properties would fund the recruitment of 200 extra officers.
Superintendent Tracey Quiller said: “The campaign has seen in excess of 800 applications received from people keen to join the force.
“The campaign is designed to show the wide variety of challenges police officers face on a daily basis and while all advertising is open to interpretation. Kent Police hopes those keen to join the force will be able to understand the campaign’s sentiment.”
