TWENTY-THREE police officers in the US city of San Antonio have been disciplined for donning Donald Trump caps bearing the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ while in uniform. They were seen in a Trump campaign video wearing the red caps after escorting the presidential candidate to a fundraiser.

San Antonio police chief William McManus said the officers will receive “written reprimands” or “written counselling”. They will also undergo training “on the importance of impartiality and fairness in the performance of official duties.”

San Antonio City policy does not allow staff to get involved in politics while serving as city employees. McManus said: “The officers displayed poor judgement. I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform.”

Trump, the candidate for the Republican Party (共和黨), has received scalding criticisms for his “sexist” and “racist” remarks during campaigning. He got into deeper trouble when an old recording of him making insulting remarks about women was made public.

His opponent, Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party (民主黨), asked voters to give her a landslide victory on 8 November to rebuke Trump’s “bigotry”.

Hong Kong’s Civil Service Code (公務員守則) requires public servants to maintain political neutrality. It does not allow civil servants to take part in political activities or use public resources for political purposes in their official capacity.

(This article is published on Junior Standard on 20 October 2016)

Hong Kong Civil Service Code
https://goo.gl/VVCgCp

US Election 2016
https://goo.gl/lhfQGd