In the wake of a damning report regarding police officers tied to racist Facebook groups, the Philadelphia Police Department has placed 72 officers on leave for their alleged racist conduct online.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross announced Wednesday that 72 officers cannot interact with the public during their leave. According to CBS Philadelphia, the officers will also have to turn in their firearms while an investigation is underway.

"We’ve talked about from the outset how disturbing, how disappointing and upsetting these posts are and how they will undeniably impact police-community relations and we’re not naïve to that fact and nor are we dismissive of it,” Ross said during a press conference.

The recent move was partly the result of the work of local activists.

Watchdog group, the Plain View Project, organized a rally for justice after looking into the social media posts of approximately 330 officers. CBS Philadelphia reports the group wants all 330 officers placed on desk duty.

The Plain View Project's database, which was released earlier this month, contains numerous posts connected to the officers. Ross said his department will examine all posts and determine if officers should be terminated.

“Internal Affairs has identified and prioritized the posts clearly advocating violence or death against any protected class such as ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion and race. These officers have been removed from the street that fall under these categories,” Ross said.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the officers identified have various ranks. At least 15 of the officers have the rank of lieutenant or higher. Internal affairs will work in conjunction with an outside law firm to prevent officers' First Amendment rights from being violated.

“An example would be an opinion on a matter of public concern that may be unpopular but that does not include threats of violence or pejorative language against any protected class. If the speech is not protected by the First Amendment, the case will proceed with appropriate discipline,” Ross said.

Philly isn't the only city rocked by the recent social media revelations.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner added 22 officers to a list that bans them from bringing cases to her office. The list now is comprised of 59 officers who were identified for their alleged racial social media posts, NBC News reports.

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