This is insane, as a follow up to the story earlier in the day
(WRAL)Â Some emails to Blue noted that one Chapel Hill officer at the scene of the protest had a tattoo on his arm for the Three Percenters, a militia group that pledges armed resistance to any effort to curtail constitutional rights.
The officer, identified as Cole Daniels, “expressed regret that his tattoo has been associated with groups that perpetuate hatred and violence,” Blue said in an email sent Wednesday to WRAL News by Chapel Hill spokeswoman Catherine Lazorko.
“We understand the concerns regarding the negative interpretations of the tattoo and regret it was displayed. This will not occur again,” Blue said. “We also want to emphasize that the negative interpretation of that tattoo is inconsistent with the values and mission of our department. We expect employees to abide by our values in the performance of their duties for the Town.”
UPDATE:Â Town Manager Roger Stancil said in an email Wednesday evening to Town Council members that Daniels was placed on paid leave Monday. Concerns over his tattoo led the police department “to question his ability to function effectively as a police officer within this community,” the email says. The department is conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
Yet, the Chief Of Police, who told officers to stand down in the face of criminal violations, is sitting pretty and seemingly in no danger. You can also bet that some officers have worse tattoos. And that a lawsuit will soon be coming if Officer Daniels is terminated.
