The New York City Police Department's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating after a doll was found hanging by a noose Tuesday in the Parks Department's Bronx borough headquarters.

According to Geoffrey Croft, president of the watchdog group NYC Parks Advocates,
an African-American parks worker found the doll near his work space.

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe says the department is fully cooperating with the investigation.

In a statement, he said, "The Parks Department does not tolerate prejudice of any kind and we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace environment."