2 Ga. (Police) Officers Accused of Running Background Check on Obama (Authorities are now investigating the officers) DECATUR, Ga. (AP) -- Authorities are investigating two Atlanta-area police officers accused of using government computers to run a criminal background check on President Barack Obama.
DeKalb County police spokeswoman Sheila Edwards confirmed Thursday that officers Ryan White and C.M. Route have been placed on paid administrative leave while the July 20 incident is investigated. She said both officers have worked for the department for about two years.
County public safety director William Miller said in a prepared statement Wednesday the officers' actions will "not be tolerated by the county."
"I want everyone to know that we take these allegations very seriously," he said. "We expect our officers to adhere to professional standards and departmental policy. Furthermore, we do not and will not condone the inappropriate use of county equipment or resources."
Miller said the police department was notified by the U.S. Secret Service that DeKalb County computers were used to run a check on Obama. He did not say what the officers' motive may have been.
Edwards would not comment on possible punishment for the officers but said there are multiple factors to consider, including violation of internal department policy and a possible criminal aspect related to invasion of privacy.
************************************************** Story by wsbtv.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. --
Georgia Officers Ran Background Check on Obama
Two DeKalb County police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave after an investigation revealed they ran a background check on President Barack Obama.
A representative for the DeKalb County CEO’s office identified the officers as Ryan White and C.M. Route.
Officials said Obama’s name was typed into a computer inside a DeKalb County police car on July 20 and ran through the National Crime Information Center.
The secret service was immediately notified and contacted the DeKalb County Police Department.
A representative said both officers have been with the department less than five years.
A representative said one of the officers denied involvement.
An official investigation is being conducted by the DeKalb County Police Department’s Internal Affairs division.
It is unclear why the officers ran a check on the president.
