Police department's Elf on the Shelf, Mensch on a Bench social media posts removed due to complaint

All it took was a single complaint and the ever-popular Elf on the Shelf and its counterpart, Mensch on a Bench, were literally benched.

Throughout the holidays, the figurines made their appearance on all social media platforms associated with the Montgomery County Police Department.

They had been watching the police's every move by making sure they weren't naughty over the holidays -- at the police station and on their rides. The lighthearted pictures were shared throughout their social media platforms.

The figurines have become a cultural phenomenon. Parents and fans have been sharing their Elf and Mensch adventures on video and posting them to YouTube.

The Elf on the Shelf originated from a children's book urging kids to behave because the elf would be watching and reporting back to Santa.

The Mensch is a spinoff aimed at children who celebrate Hanukkah.

And yet a person found the seemingly harmless pictures offensive by reporting it and condemning the police department.

On Thursday, the police department issued a tongue-in-cheek apology on their Twitter account and they have removed all of the images shared throughout the holidays. Police did not want to tell us who complained or what the complaint was.

Due 2 complaint, photos/posts of Elf on Shelf & Mensch on Bench have been removed. No offense intended. We r sorry. pic.twitter.com/u1cJZGOXFW

What do you think? Do you agree with the police department's decision to remove the posts or should they have kept them up? Sound off and let us know on our Fox 5 DC Facebook page and our @fox5newsdc Twitter page.