Group opposes McPherson police chaplain program

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) - A national group says a new police chaplain program in a central Kansas town violates the U.S. Constitution.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation notified McPherson city officials that it had received a complaint about the program, saying it violates the separation of church and state. The Wisconsin-based organization is asking the city to end the program.

The program allows two Christian ministers to ride along with McPherson police officers, to counsel officers and be present when officers inform families of deaths.

An attorney for the foundation says the complaint came from a McPherson resident.

The Hutchinson News reports the city council is expected to address the issue at its regular meeting on Monday. But Mayor Tom Brown says he's optimistic the program will be kept.