A new law enforcement group led by a former Democratic operative has sparked controversy with its endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent endorsement by the newly formed Police Leaders for Community Safety has raised eyebrows due to its political ties and lack of longstanding credentials according to The Daily Caller.
The group, Police Leaders for Community Safety, was publicly launched on June 11 and is headed by Gail Hoffman, a figure with a background in Democratic politics rather than law enforcement. This affiliation has led to criticism from more established law enforcement groups.
When Harris's campaign announced the endorsement on September 23, it marked the group's first foray into political endorsements. The organization describes itself as a leader in law enforcement circles, though this has been disputed by other groups.
The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Donald Trump on September 6, responded to the endorsement by expressing their unfamiliarity with Police Leaders for Community Safety and questioning its claim as a leading organization.
The Fraternal Order of Police, with its long history and established reputation, has been vocal in its skepticism.
A spokesperson from the order stated they were totally unfamiliar with the group before its recent announcement.
Despite the controversy, Police Leaders for Community Safety defended its position, stating it has been organizing informally since 2022 and includes members from multiple political backgrounds, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents.
The board of Police Leaders for Community Safety includes several individuals known for their Democratic affiliations and public support for liberal causes. This has added to the scrutiny of the group's political neutrality.
Statements by board members on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn have included strong political opinions, further fueling debate over the appropriateness of their endorsement.
Susan Riseling tweeted criticisms of the Republican party, while Rick Myers commented on LinkedIn about the need for regulation of firearms, linking it to constitutional interpretations.
Initially, Fox News Digital described Police Leaders for Community Safety as a "leading" law enforcement group, a term that was later retracted after the organization clarified its status and mission.
Responding to questions about the use of the term "leading," a spokesperson for Harris's campaign noted that they had simply adopted the language used by Fox News.
According to the group, this endorsement of Harris is just the beginning. They claim to be the only national police leadership organization that endorses political candidates, planning future endorsements based on alignment with law enforcement issues.
The endorsement statement from Police Leaders for Community Safety highlighted their unique position in the political landscape, emphasizing their commitment to supporting candidates who prioritize law enforcement concerns.
