SALT LAKE CITY — An officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department has been put on administrative leave after he reportedly refused an assignment to work during the weekend’s LGBT pride parade.
Department spokeswoman Lara Jones said the officer, who has not been identified, had been given a traffic control and public safety assignment during Sunday’s parade, reported the Deseret News.
The officer is on paid administrative leave as the internal affairs unit reviews the situation, Jones said.
“The vast majority of officers understand: When they put their badge on and come to work, they leave their personal beliefs at home, and we provide service to the community,” said Jones. “We don’t tolerate bias and bigotry in the department, and assignments are assignments.”
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The department has provided services at the Utah Pride Festival since its inception, as well as a host of other community events.
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Additionally, members of the Salt Lake City Police Department have marched in past Utah Pride parades, including Chief Chris Burbank who marched last year.
Utah Pride Center officials said they’re pleased with the department’s stance and think officers should undergo sensitivity training before joining the force.
