Collection jars for Ferguson officer ordered removed from TPD properties

Donation jars intended to collect money to help a Ferguson, Missouri police officer have been ordered removed from Tulsa Police Department facilities.

Chief Chuck Jordan issued a statement Tuesday afternoon supporting the principle of standing up for Ofcr. Darren Wilson, saying "collection boxes in City facilities may not be appropriate, the desire to seek justice in a just manner certainly is."

Wilson is under investigation after the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.

In the statement sent to KRMG, Jordan wrote:

There has been recent media interest regarding TPD officers expressing support of Officer Wilson in Ferguson, MO.
I think it is important to point out a few facts. First, our officers have proven their dedication and service to ALL of our community and will continue to do so with respect and compassion. I expect no less of them. Second, their support is not about race, guilt or innocence it is about the rule of law.
The situation in Ferguson has produced an intense atmosphere in which relevant facts are being overlooked and facts not in evidence are being broadcast as the truth. Very public figures are making statements vilifying the police across the nation and insinuating Officer Wilson's guilt before the investigation is over, thereby tainting potential jury pools in the event a trial is warranted.
The rule of law has served our nation well for over two centuries. Are we really ready to abandon that concept now? I don't know if Officer Wilson is guilty or innocent of the charges being leveled at him. And neither does anyone else at this point.

The bucket with a sign soliciting donations was at the Gilcrease Hills Division headquarters, 3436 N. Delaware Ave.

When Jordan learned of it, he ordered it removed.

It's against city policy for any employee to solicit donations in the workplace without prior approval from the city.