NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana State Police say a trooper's decision to ticket a driver who gave him the middle finger was "an unfortunate incident which will be used as a training opportunity."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana says the ticket was illegal retaliation for protected free speech. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the ticket alleged public intimidation, a felony.
In a letter faxed to the Louisiana State Police on Monday, she also noted that a prosecutor refused to charge the driver.
Esman says the issue arose Dec. 28, when a driver on Interstate 20 raised his middle finger while passing a parked trooper. She says the trooper pulled him over and ticketed him.
Esman urged state police to ensure officers understand the full scope of the right to free speech.
State Police spokesman Doug Cain says the agency "has tremendous respect for the First Amendment even when the citizens we serve choose to be vulgar and disrespectful."
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