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Pubdate: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2007 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?216 (CN Police) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) HARPER WRONG TO ASK POLICE TO LOBBY Police officers across Canada should politely decline Prime Minister Stephen Harper's invitation to become active political allies in his quest to toughen an array of criminal laws. In a speech Thursday, Harper urged police officers to use their considerable numbers and position in society to lobby opposition parties. But such a call to arms, metaphoricaly speaking, is both inappropriate and dangerous. It could fuel speculation that the prime minister has far too cosy a relationship with the top brass of the RCMP and other police forces. The Canadian public deserves to feel confident that their police forces keep to their assigned role as objective, apolitical peace officers who respect the rule and the spirit of the law. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake