“A Denver police officer has asked the city’s ethics board whether it’s appropriate for President Barack Obama to promote his gun control proposals Wednesday at the department’s training facility, saying it creates the impression that Denver police support Colorado’s recently passed gun-control laws,” denverpost.com reports. “Danny Veith, a technician and 18-year-veteran [and career suicide victim], said he and several officers have discussed the situation with each other and on social media. ‘My concern is our police department is being used as a vehicle for partisan political influence,’ Veith said.” Check this: Denver Board of Ethics director Michael Henry responded to Veith’s concern. Publicly . . .
[Henry] thanked Veith for his “very valid and interesting questions and concerns” but pointed out in an e-mail that the board doesn’t meet until April 18. Veith said he plans to ask for an advisory opinion at that time.
What’s the hurry? Anyway, officer Veith is not alone. Police union officials told the Post that they received complaints from other officers who feel pressured to attend the President’s presser.
That is not the case, Police Chief Robert White said.
“If they want to attend, we’re going to try to find a way for them to attend,” the chief said. “If they don’t want to go, that’s perfectly fine also.”
White said the department accommodated the White House’s request for the use of a police facility but would not say whether officials asked for a certain number of officers to be present. White said police from other departments would be on hand, as well.
“It is the president. This puts our department, our city, our state on a national level. It gives us some positive exposure,” White said.
Or not.