Letter: Metro right to deny uniform deviations

Thursday, April 26, 2007 | 7:03 a.m.

R egarding the Las Vegas Sun's April 24 editorial "Policing a faith":

I am in favor of separation of church and state, church and school, and church and the workplace. Therefore, I do not think that Steve Riback should be allowed to wear a beard and a yarmulke, and I do not think officers should be allowed to wear a pin on their uniforms from a Christian organization that shows an open Bible.

A uniform is a uniform. If these deviations are allowed, where does it end? Might a male Muslim officer insist that he be allowed to wear a turban? Might a female Muslim officer insist that she be allowed to wear a veil? Should all religions with unusual dress traditions be accommodated?

I think that Metro officials should not allow any uniform deviation. Our police officers should present a common, disciplined image to the community.

Roger Witcher, Las Vegas

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