A Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s participation in a federal law-enforcement operation near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has drawn scrutiny after images of the arrests continue to circulate online.
Members of a Washington, D.C., task force made five arrests in connection with alleged damage to the Reflecting Pool.
President Donald Trump has claimed, without providing evidence, that vandals dumped chemicals into the water and caused damage stretching hundreds of feet in the Reflecting Pool. The pool has been plagued by algae blooms and peeling paint.
Government contract records show the Reflecting Pool recently underwent a renovation costing roughly $16 million.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said they deployed one of their deputies to assist the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Park Police in protecting the nation’s monuments during America’s 250th celebration.
David Marcucci, a deputy and public information officer, said the deployment reflects patriotism, not politics.
“There is a long tradition of mutual aid between federal, state and local law enforcement, especially at major nationwide events,” Marcucci said in a statement. “This assignment reflects the values of public service, patriotism and honors the generations who built and defended our great nation.”
Marcucci noted how this assignment continues a proud tradition of their county deputies supporting public-safety missions, which include Democratic and Republican national conventions, sporting events and presidential inaugurations. The assignment is also reimbursed by the U.S. Marshals Service.
“The U.S. Marshals Service provides hundreds of hours of support to our community every year, working alongside local law enforcement to locate violent felony offenders and take dangerous individuals off the streets of Monroe County,” Marcucci said in a statement. “When our partners ask for assistance, we are honored to help at a time when federal resources are dedicated to several major events happening nationwide.”
The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to questions about whether the deputy participated in any arrests.
Legislator Rachel Barnhart said in a statement that federal deputizations for major events are not unusual, but she described how this assignment has become associated with a deeply controversial federal enforcement action.
When it comes to the deployment, Barnhart thinks the sheriff’s office should have anticipated the political nature of the operation and the questions that would arise from the county’s involvement.
“Monroe County sent one deputy among a limited number from agencies across the country. That means our patch is visible,” Barnhart said in a statement. “When Monroe County personnel appear in viral images tied to arrests and disputed White House claims, Monroe County has become part of the public story. That is a legitimate reason for elected officials to ask whether continued participation serves this county’s interests.”
Barnhart believes the sheriff’s office should provide transparency about how Monroe County was selected, who authorized the deployment and the duties of the deputy. She also questions whether Monroe County taxpayers are bearing any costs and whether continued participation serves the interests of county residents.
Barnhart is asking for the sheriff to provide an explanation for the deployment and is calling on him to bring the deputy back home.
“I do not believe Monroe County deputies should be participating in arrests or enforcement actions connected to a dispute over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” Barnhart said. “That’s not why Monroe County residents expect their sheriff’s office to be deployed hundreds of miles from home.”
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Why was a Monroe County deputy sent to D.C.? Barnhart wants answers
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
