BY FOX SAN ANTONIO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH 2016
SAN ANTONIO – Several San Antonio Police officers are in hot water after Donald Trump’s visit to the Alamo City on Tuesday.
A video circulated posted on Donald Trump’s Twitter account shows numerous officers wearing the trademark red “Make America Safe & Great Again, Together” caps and posing for pictures with the Republican presidential nominee before he departed San Antonio.
City policy prohibits employees from participating in political activity while acting in their capacity as city employees.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus responded to the officer’s error in judgement.
“The officers wearing the campaign hats while in uniform violated SAPD policy and will be disciplined appropriately. SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community. The officers displayed poor judgment. I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate.”
Mayor Ivy Taylor even chimed in on her Facebook page about the incident.
“I am deeply disappointed by some of our SAPD officers’ lack of judgement. While on duty, police must be above politics with an obligation to serve everyone equally. Everything they do should send that message and today’s actions did not.”
Michael Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association had the following statement:
“At the conclusion of Mr. Trump’s visit to San Antonio, several police officers conducting escort duty were photographed wearing campaign hats at the airport. SAPOA historically does not make federal political endorsements. Dignitaries and celebrities often visit San Antonio and treat our police officers with great kindness, respect, and courtesy. Frankly, the officers were most likely caught up in the moment and did not consider the political nature of their actions.”
No word on what discipline the officers are to face.