Cops suspended for Obama check

By MASHAUN D. SIMON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two DeKalb County Officers are being investigated for allegedly performing a background check on President Barack Obama.

Officers Ryan White and C.M. Route have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to DeKalb County spokeswoman Sheila Edwards.

Edwards said the two patrol officers have been with the department for about two years.

The incident occurred on July 20, according to DeKalb County officials.

The United States Secret Service notified county officials that DeKalb County computer equipment was utilized to do a query on the President.

Edwards said the background check was run using a computer mounted in a patrol car.

Such behavior, said William “Miz” Miller, DeKalb Public Safety director, is not to be tolerated.

“As Public Safety Director for DeKalb County, I want everyone to know that we take these allegations very seriously,” he said in a statement. “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.”

The county’s Internal Affairs division is handling the official investigation.

Staff writer Mike Morris contributed to this article.