The alleged victim of a racial insult and his supporters are demanding justice after a noose was found hanging at the Hempstead Police Department.

Village of Hempstead Deputy Police Chief Bill Dixon says he was targeted by a fellow cop who wanted to send a hate-filled message by leaving a noose inside the precinct for all to see. ?I'm appalled that anyone would have the audacity to do such a hateful thing in 2007,? said Dixon. Officials say the noose was hanging in an employee locker room for at least 24 hours before it was reported Friday. Dixon, a 27-year veteran of the force, didn't say why he was targeted. However, during a press conference outside police headquarters Saturday, members of the group National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) say racial tensions have been running high at the department in recent months.

NOBLE members are part of a chorus of people who are demanding that a special investigator from the Justice Department be called in to assist detectives and the Nassau County District Attorney to quickly find and fire the cop responsible.

Related Information Chief: Noose placed inside Hempstead P.D.