While “they’ve always done it this way” isn’t convincing argument for it being constitutionally permissible, I’ll still ask: How is this any different from prohibitions on gang affiliations, or affiliations with convicts/felons?
Policing is a profession that people voluntarily undertake, and as unelected representatives of the government they have an obligation to be impartial. Membership in any such group is a conflict of interest.
While “they’ve always done it this way” isn’t convincing argument for it being constitutionally permissible, I’ll still ask: How is this any different from prohibitions on gang affiliations, or affiliations with convicts/felons?
Policing is a profession that people voluntarily undertake, and as unelected representatives of the government they have an obligation to be impartial. Membership in any such group is a conflict of interest.