Ken Burton, the current Columbia, Missouri, police chief, was hired to clean up the Columbia Police Department after over a decade of scandal, embarrassment, and rampant civil rights violations. Ken's work to reform the police department has been applauded by many citizens and organizations in Columbia, including local civil liberties organization Keep Columbia Free, who supported the Chief's disciplining and firing Officer Rob Sanders over a brutal jailhouse assault on a prisoner: http://www.keepcolumbiafree.com/blog/support-for-chief-burton/
Ken Burton has also established credibility with the community by limiting the use of SWAT raids to serve search warrants and by endorsing the legalization of marijuana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7TlIiXDrZU
Please sign this petition in support of the credibility, honesty, and integrity that Ken Burton has brought to the Columbia Police Department and to urge City Manager Mike Mathes to disregard the spurious charges brought against Chief Burton by the Columbia Police Officers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Here is the audio of CPOA Director Ashley Cuttle on the Gary Nolan Show 4/25/2012: http://theeagle939.com/update-audio-from-police-union-interview-now-available/
Some things must change for improvements to thrive... I can say Captain Ken Burton has shown his personal integrities as an example, protector and servant to our community. I believe changes must happen, however I am behind Captain Ken Burton. I am honored to see an official with as much knowledge and understanding put it all on the line. To stand for a change that is not quite so familiar. I think we can all agree that the police force can focus on becoming a trusted vessel that has the potential to grow and train into a defensive role. I believe our children are what is most precious. Please think along the lines of their thoughts, dreams, feelings and happinesses.