OFFICER.com News
April 9, 2016
An Indiana State Police trooper who was accused of proselytizing to a driver during a traffic stop has been fired.
Senior Trooper Brian Hamilton was terminated after a two-month internal investigation into a complaint that he questioned a citizen's religious affiliation, according to The Indianapolis Star.
"While all of us -- citizen and police officer -- enjoy the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, there are appropriate and proper restrictions placed on agents of the State related to their actions while engaged in their official duties," State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in a statement. "While I respect Mr. Hamilton’s religious views I am also charged to respect every citizen's rights, and the best way forward for the citizens of Indiana, and for Mr. Hamilton, was to end his employment as a State Police officer."
The firing of the 14-year veteran comes two days after the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a woman who accused the trooper of asking her whether "she had been saved" after pulling her over in January.
The lawsuit claims that Hamilton then told the woman about his church and gave her directions to it.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A reminder to all cops – stay the hell off of social media! And you can add to that – for God’s sake, keep your faith to yourself!
2 comments:
"In God We Trust" is on the rear of lots of law enforcement cars nationwide. If I was that trooper, I would appeal based on that fact. I would also ask if the chaplain wears a cross on his uniform or if the state buildings have any religious markers.
I think the punishment was too harsh.
If the guy had no priors canning him might be a bit extreme. but his actions (assuming the report is accurate) were CLEARLY inappropriate.
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