Pubdate: Sat, 19 Feb 2011
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2011 Star Advertiser
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154
Cited: Kauai  police http://www.kauai.gov/default.aspx?tabid=298
Cited: Maui Police http://www.co.maui.hi.us/index.aspx?NID=122
Bookmark: http://www.drugsense.org/cms/geoview/n-us-hi (Hawaii)

SINCE WHEN IS LOBBYING PART OF POLICE JOB DUTIES?

Hmmm, police officers engaging in politicking for laws that they are
charged with enforcing - interesting.

On Kauai, the police department and prosecutor's office yesterday
joined with the Kauai County Anti-Drug Program in a public rally
against efforts to liberalize the state's marijuana laws. On Monday,
uniformed police on Maui distributed leaflets at Walmart arguing
against medical marijuana and efforts to decriminalize or legalize the
drug. Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta explained that he thinks such
legislation sends "the wrong message to the youth."

Such statements can be debated, but should the rank-and-file paid by
the public to enforce laws objectively be the ones involved in the
debate - and in their official capacity, on the clock?

Testifying before legislative committees as to the effect such laws
might have on police operations seems reasonable, especially by the
higher-ups, but is lobbyist/advocate part of the oath to protect and
serve?
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake