§ 12-8-205 - Political activities. - Arkansas Statutes

12-8-205. Political activities.

(a) The members of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall be prohibited from engaging in any partisan political or election campaign activities during hours when they are performing work for the department.

(b) (1) The members of the department shall not be at any time detailed to perform any work pertaining to political activities affecting either a candidate or measures.

(2) The members of the department shall not display any political banners, posters, or literature on any department or state government offices, buildings, or other facilities.

(3) Department vehicles shall not display any political bumper stickers or decals and shall not be used during or after working hours to promote or assist the political campaign of any person or political issue.

(c) The members of the department shall not be required or counseled to make, solicit, or prescribe contributions toward and for any political campaign of whatsoever nature.

(d) The members of the department may participate or assist in any political campaign of any candidate or measure so long as the participation or assistance is rendered on the member's own time and department or state government property is not involved.

(e) The members of the department shall not publicly and openly espouse the candidacy of any person or measure in their official capacity as members of the department.

(f) It is declared to be the intention of the General Assembly to encourage members of the department to participate in the election process so long as the participation occurs while they are off-duty and are on their own time.

(g) (1) The violation of these provisions shall be sufficient for the removal of any member of the department force.

(2) However, nothing in this section shall interfere with the rights of any member of the department to vote for any candidate or upon any issues as his or her reason and conscience may dictate.