Published: July 31, 2009 09:06 am         

2 Ga. officers accused of running check on Obama

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.

     

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