Statement Of Chuck Canterbury, National President Fraternal Order Of Police In Response To President Obama’s Comments On The Gates Case
I am very concerned by President Obama’s statement made last night in connection with the Gates matter. President Obama, in his remarks, stated that he had not been on the scene and did not know what had happened; having said that, he then characterized the arresting officer as having acted “stupidly”.
Police officers, like all Americans, rely on President Obama’s leadership to guide us through an extraordinarily difficult period of change in a variety of areas: to be successful in this effort, he will need the help and support of all of us. Statements of this nature, made without the facts, do little to narrow the void of distrust that too often separates the community from the men and women who work to keep it safe.
Sergeant James Crowley and the men and women of the Cambridge Police Department have our full support as they work their way through this matter.
In the short time he has been in office, President has taken a number of steps which have been very well received by the law enforcement community, such as additional funding for law enforcement grants, rejuvenation of the COPS Program, and a strong commitment to the Public Safety Officers Benefit Program, to name just a few. The President’s Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security have actively solicited our counsel on public safety issues.
I have advised the White House and the Justice Department of my disappointment with the remarks, and look forward to an appropriate resolution.
Posted by Jason 
Posted by Jason 
