Cop in uniform taking college course tossed from classroom by 'uncomfortable' teacher
Photo Source: http://cavs.darton.edu
A Georgia police officer taking classes in his spare time got an unwanted lesson from a college instructor last week, but now it is the school that is feeling blue – and apologizing. The unidentified cop was wearing his uniform and carrying his service gun when the Darton State College instructor reportedly became uncomfortable with his presence, according to WALB-TV. School officials confirmed the police officer was escorted out of the classroom, but did not elaborate.
"Darton State College is appreciative for the service of our law enforcement, and welcome them as students on our campus,” Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Thomas Ormand said in a statement. “We have apologized to the officer for our misunderstanding when he attended class on our campus, and we regret this happened. We have met with the faculty and staff involved to reiterate the Georgia Law and Darton Policy.”
An Albany Police spokeswoman said the ejected officer was not from the city department, but declined to say what agency he worked for. An armed law enforcement presence might not be the worst idea at Darton, where last June, an armed robbery took place. In that case, two 18-year-old men and a juvenile were arrested after meeting a victim on the campus to buy sneakers. The trio allegedly robbed the victim at gunpoint of three pairs of shoes and the keys to his truck. None of the people involved attended the school.
"I find it a bit disturbing that someone would object to having an armed law enforcement officer in the classroom," said Tim Reichert, spokesman for the Southern States Police Benevolent Association. "Much less, the very professor teaching the class.