October 21, 2022
(Culpeper, VA) In an official Town of Culpeper release (https://www.culpeperva.gov/news_detail_T2_R35.php), the "prohibited" actions of the Town's Police Chief, Chris Jenkins, have been identified in the following words:
"It has come to the Town of Culpeper's attention that an employee of the Town has publically [sic] endorsed a political candidate in political advertisements while wearing a town uniform and while on the premises of their employment with the Town.
"Although Town employees may participate in political activities, they are prohibited from doing so while they are on duty, in uniform or on the premises of their employment with the Town to minimize any appearance of endorsement by the Town of Culpeper."
The CCRC enthusiastically supports law enforcement, whom the public rightly expects to operate at the highest level of ethics. Unfortunately, the Chief of Police has shown blatant disregard for the Town policies to which he is subject. His actions have ongoing national impact.
The Town Manager should immediately ensure that Chief Jenkins makes a good faith effort in asking that Abigail Spanberger withdraw the improper ad.
All citizens should trust that their interactions with Town Police are not politicized. His actions undermine community relations. Furthermore, Town Police officers should expect that their duties, performance and careers remain free of workplace political bias.
Due to a loss of the Chief's ability to remain nonpartisan, and to exemplify that no one is above the law, the leadership of the CCRC calls on the Town Manager to take immediate and appropriate action to rectify these circumstances. Such a response is critical, as the Town must unambiguously stand up for its own regulations and policies in order to deter any future violation of this kind.
(Culpeper, VA) In an official Town of Culpeper release (https://www.culpeperva.gov/news_detail_T2_R35.php), the "prohibited" actions of the Town's Police Chief, Chris Jenkins, have been identified in the following words:
"It has come to the Town of Culpeper's attention that an employee of the Town has publically [sic] endorsed a political candidate in political advertisements while wearing a town uniform and while on the premises of their employment with the Town.
"Although Town employees may participate in political activities, they are prohibited from doing so while they are on duty, in uniform or on the premises of their employment with the Town to minimize any appearance of endorsement by the Town of Culpeper."
The CCRC enthusiastically supports law enforcement, whom the public rightly expects to operate at the highest level of ethics. Unfortunately, the Chief of Police has shown blatant disregard for the Town policies to which he is subject. His actions have ongoing national impact.
The Town Manager should immediately ensure that Chief Jenkins makes a good faith effort in asking that Abigail Spanberger withdraw the improper ad.
All citizens should trust that their interactions with Town Police are not politicized. His actions undermine community relations. Furthermore, Town Police officers should expect that their duties, performance and careers remain free of workplace political bias.
Due to a loss of the Chief's ability to remain nonpartisan, and to exemplify that no one is above the law, the leadership of the CCRC calls on the Town Manager to take immediate and appropriate action to rectify these circumstances. Such a response is critical, as the Town must unambiguously stand up for its own regulations and policies in order to deter any future violation of this kind.
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