The leader of the National Fraternal Order of Police says that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has snubbed the group when it comes to seeking the union's endorsement.
FOP President Chuck Canterbury told The Hill that Clinton's decision left him "disappointed and shocked" and that it sends a "powerful message."
Canterbury made the statements on Friday after leaving Trump Tower in Manhattan where he and other leaders of the police union visited Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to be briefed on his positions on issues of importance to law enforcement officers.
The union will not be meeting with Clinton because her campaign failed to fill out a questionnaire that is required in seeking the union's endorsement. Canterbury says that to his knowledge, the questionnaire snub has only happened once before: in 2004 with John Kerry.
"You would think with law enforcement issues so much in the news that even if she had disagreements with our positions, that she would've been willing to say that." he said. "We were talking to the highest levels of the campaign, and we had all indications that she was going to return the questionnaire. And on the deadline date we were advised that they declined."
When asked about the decision not to seek the FOP's endorsement, Clinton spokesman Jesse Ferguson told the news outlet: "Throughout her career, Hillary Clinton has been committed to our law enforcement officers. As she said from the beginning of her campaign, across the country, police officers are out there every day inspiring trust and confidence, honorably doing their duty, putting themselves on the line to save lives.
"She believes we must work together to build on what’s working and to build the bonds of trust between police and the communities they serve — because we are stronger together. Hillary and her team have engaged law enforcement throughout the campaign to listen to ideas and solutions, and she will continue to do so as president."
When he was asked whether he thought Clinton respected the police, Canterbury told the Hill, "Can't answer that question. Don't know."
