National Sheriffs’ Group Spreads Ideology Across the Country, Secures State Accreditation for Training
In recent years, a national group of sheriffs has successfully promoted the idea that top law enforcement officers in American counties are not bound by federal law. Known as the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), the group has gained traction by securing state accreditation for its taxpayer-funded law enforcement training. The CSPOA has been vocal in its opposition to gun control laws, COVID-19 mask mandates, public health restrictions, and alleged election fraud. While the group has spread its ideology across the country, it has also faced criticism for undermining democratic processes and promoting a broader insurrectionist ideology.
Over the past five years, the CSPOA has held trainings, rallies, speeches, and meetings in at least 30 states, attracting law enforcement officers, political figures, private organizations, and members of the public. The group has hosted formal trainings on its “constitutional” curriculum in 13 states, with six states approving the training for officers’ continuing education credits. Additionally, the CSPOA has supporters who sit on three state boards responsible for law enforcement training standards. However, legal experts caution that such training, especially when approved for state credit, can undermine the authority of courts to interpret the constitution and promote a dangerous acceptance of political violence.
While some states, like Texas, have canceled credit for the CSPOA’s training due to its political nature, others, such as Tennessee, have approved it because it was hosted by a local law enforcement agency. The sheriffs’ curriculum focuses on the alleged constitutional authority of sheriffs to interpret and refuse to enforce certain laws. The CSPOA has gained the support of at least 69 sheriffs nationwide, while a survey found that over 200 sheriffs agree with the group’s ideology. Several U.S. counties influenced by the group have considered “constitutional county” resolutions, empowering sheriffs to refuse to enforce state and federal laws they deem unconstitutional.
The CSPOA’s influence has raised concerns among experts and the public. Some sheriffs may join the group with good intentions but risk engaging in extremism by not enforcing legal orders. However, not all sheriffs subscribe to the CSPOA’s ideology, and some states have pushed back against the group’s training efforts. In Klickitat County, Washington, Sheriff Bob Songer, a board member of the CSPOA, faced allegations of fearmongering and intimidation from residents but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
While the CSPOA presents a public-facing image that features the American flag and highlights the experiences of Black civil rights icons, details of its operations and finances are closely held. The group was briefly registered as a nonprofit in Arizona but is now considered a private company. Its leaders have documented sympathies for right-wing, white-nationalist extremist causes. For example, former Arizona sheriff Richard Mack was an early board member of the Oath Keepers, a group involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Despite distancing himself from the group, Mack still speaks at Oath Keeper-affiliated rallies. The CSPOA’s leaders’ affiliations raise concerns about the group’s true intentions and the potential for further harm.
In conclusion, the CSPOA has successfully spread its ideology across the country by securing state accreditation for its law enforcement training. While some sheriffs support the group’s claims of constitutional authority, legal experts warn that such training undermines democratic processes and can promote a dangerous acceptance of political violence. While pushback against the CSPOA’s efforts has occurred in some states, the group continues to attract supporters and influence law enforcement officers. The true motivations and intentions of the CSPOA’s leaders raise concerns about their affiliations with right-wing extremist causes.
Original Story at www.ny1.com – 2023-08-21 17:11:00
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