Past FOP president: Chief’s social media activity inappropriate
The past president of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police said that Columbia police Chief Ken Burton’s social media activity was inappropriate.
“If he identifies himself as the chief of the Columbia Police Department, and he’s following some accounts that might be sexually suggestive, then I really think that’s a major issue,” Kevin Ahlbrand told ABC 17 News on Friday.
ABC 17 News reported on Thursday that Burton, from his official Twitter handle “@ColumbiaMOChief,” followed several suggestive accounts. One was a page marketing used panties. The account was deleted Thursday, the same day interim City Manager John Glascock placed Burton on paid leave. Glascock’s office has not explained the reason for the leave.
Ahlbrand said he would have no issue with Burton following such pages as long as it was a strictly personal social media profile. CPD’s social media policy prohibits employees from speech or content that could affect the reputation or character of the department. Ahlbrand said those rules serve a purpose for police-linked accounts.
“We’re held to a higher standard, and the community expects that, and especially when it comes from the top, they should be beyond reproach,” Ahlbrand said.
City council members remained silent about Burton’s Twitter activity. Fifth Ward Councilman Matt Pitzer was the only person to respond to an email seeking comment on the story on Friday.
“You know more about this than I do,” Pitzer said.
The Missouri FOP has previously called for Burton’s resignation. Ahlbrand said they disagreed with his decision to fire former CPD officer Rob Sanders in 2011 for shoving a holding cell inmate. A year later, Burton made other command staff positions at CPD at-will employees.
