Even though there’s a disclaimer, with all of the photos of PD equipment, officers in uniform and testimonials from named officers on their website the group appears be to an organization that’s operated with the approval and support of PD along with having a special relationship and access to PD services and personnel. https://truebluetempe.org

PD is just one team member that provides us services. And as part of that team they shouldn’t be elevated above other city employees and the city shouldn’t be involved in anything that does that and potentially pits one employee group against another.

As a police officer I would willingly chase armed criminals but there would be no way you’d get me down in a seven foot trench along side University Drive on a on hot summer day to fix a broken water pipe as cars whizzed by at 50 MPH.

Tempe workers do dangerous jobs everyday and they’re not all PD.

Water, sewage, streets, Parks and recreation, librarians, the call takers at 311, they’re all valuable members of the Tempe team that works to provide quality services to residents and businesses.

All city workers need to be appreciated and supported, not just PD.