OUR VIEW: Judge should let ex-cop appeal his termination

» We’re not saying Barnes is right or wrong, but it seems he should have the right to file a grievance.

On the heels of an embarrassing lawsuit over the handling of a citizen’s nude photos on a private cell phone, the Culpeper Town Police Department finds itself back in court next month on a different matter. This time, the CPD is being sued by one of its own — specifically, a former officer who wants the legal right to appeal his firing.

William Barnes III, 23, was terminated after an internal investigation accused him of perjury, obstruction of justice, abuse of authority, insubordination, disclosing confidential information and failing to safeguard police equipment.

Barnes, who denies the claims and says the situation is “personal,” has filed an appeal of his termination, but the town has denied that request. Now he will appear before a Circuit Court judge Oct. 7 to fight that decision. It is important to keep in context that Barnes faces no criminal charges.

Among other things, the internal investigation cited Barnes for providing a 20-year-old woman with alcohol and letting a 3-year-old play with a Taser stun gun. He admits to a lapse in judgment to the alcohol charge but says the Taser incident never happened.

Barnes is not looking for a monetary settlement or to regain employment with the town; he simply wants a chance to clear his name.

While we do not condone Barnes’ alleged actions, we cannot find fault with his appeal request. An appeal does not mean he will get his job back — it only allows him to use the town’s grievance procedure, and that seems like a legitimate course of action.

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YEEHAW! In more positive news, last weekend’s motorcycle rodeo, sponsored by the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office, was a great example of the civic duties of a law enforcement agency. The rodeo gave the community an opportunity to witness motorcycle training from some of the top bike departments in our nation, and it helped money for fallen officers’ families. It also brought in much-needed tourism money to the county. Kudos to the CCSO for a job well done.