EVANSTON, Ill. (UPI) -- An Illinois police department said an officer will be disciplined after pictures of him sleeping in a marked police cruiser went viral on social media.

The Evanston Police Department said it is investigating after the pictures were shared with community activist Carolyn Murray and circulated on social media.

"The photos were sent to me by a concerned citizen who has a problem with the police some brutality and they're upset as well," Murray told WLS-TV.

Murray said the pictures were taken late Saturday night outside a downtown Evanston movie theater. She said the photos highlight the police department's problems.

"It's an ongoing issue we have with the relations with the police department and the mayor doesn't seem to be concerned and we feel that she's sleeping just like the officer," she said.

Police officials said the officer has been identified and is facing discipline.

"We are held to a higher standard and it is unacceptable as well as embarrassing. The officer is embarrassed as are we. The officer has accepted full responsibility and will be disciplined. I don't know the severity at this time," a department representative said in an email to WGN-TV.

Deputy Police Chief Jay Parrott said the officer was not assigned to the department's anti-violence efforts the night the photos were taken.

"Anytime, obviously, an officer is committing a violation against policy, it's not only embarrassing, but very discouraging for the image of the department," he told CBS Chicago.

A Chicago Police Officer was recorded on video sleeping in a marked police sport-utility vehicle in May. The officer was suspended without pay.

Copyright 2015 by United Press International