WASHINGTON -- D.C. police are investigating an alleged hate crime at the Fifth District Police Station.

Authorities said homophobic graffiti was found on Thursday on a wall in the men's bathroom in the station at 1805 Bladensburg Road NE.

The graffiti focused on a member's sexual orientation, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said.

"It's extremely offensive, so we're taking it very seriously," Lanier said.

Lanier sent an e-mail to police department personnel Thursday night that said, "All members of this department put their lives on the line every day, and I will not tolerate any member treating another police professional with disrespect."

Lanier said she will "impose the most serious penalty" if the perpetrator is found to be a member of the department.

The graffiti was found in an area that is accessible to both officers and civilians, Lanier said, so it is not clear who may have left the message.

The department has programs in place to sensitize officers to language that could be considered disparaging to minorities.

Sgt. Brett Parsons, who oversees liaison units, including some for gays and lesbians, said he believes the incident is isolated. He said the response demonstrates the progress the department has made in recent years.

"In some ways, I think many of us our relieved that we're taking this head on," Parsons said.

Lanier urged anyone with information about the act to contact investigators at 202-727-4385. She said many officers have condemned the message.