Complaint Filed Over Rick Scott's Use of Police Officers at Campaign Event

A former Broward County police officer filed an election-law complaint against Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday, alleging that Scott's campaign violated the law by having on-duty police officers at a campaign event in Tampa earlier this week.

The complaint cites a Florida law which says it's a misdemeanor for public employees to engage in political activity during the workday, except for elected officials like sheriffs.

"Rick Scott's political campaign facilitated the violation of (law) by soliciting the assistance of on-duty law enforcement officers -- under the false pretense of security -- only to repeatedly feature them as props in the background of campaign events," Joe Marano, president of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, wrote in the complaint.

The Monday event was held at a business which specializes in police uniforms and accessories and several police officers were present. The complaint alleges the officers were asked to provide security for the events but did not know they were political.

They deserve better than to be used by Rick Scott as props in hispolitical campaign, Marano said. They deserve nothing less than his utmost respect.

When asked about the allegations, Scott spokesperson Greg Blair said:

"Gov. Scott is proud to have the support of Floridas law enforcement community, including the Florida Police Chiefs Association and 40 Florida sheriffs. This is just another sad distraction from Charlie Crists numerous ethical problems, including his broken promise to be transparent by releasing tax returns for both himself and his spouse."