BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) A threatening letter that disparages black police officers has been found in mailboxes at a Connecticut police department.

Bridgeport officials said Wednesday state police are investigating the letter, which begins and ends with the term ``white power.''

The letter singles out black officer Clive Higgins, who was acquitted last month of civil rights violation charges in the beating of a suspect in the racially diverse city. A white officer and a Hispanic officer were sentenced to three months in jail.

The unsigned letter says Higgins doesn't belong on the police force. It also says ``these black officers belong in the toilet'' and warns Higgins to watch his back.

A black police officers' group says other hateful letters have circulated within the department in the past year.