Occupy Philadelphia protester and retired cop Ray Lewis, who wore his police uniform during demonstrations, will not face charges for impersonating a police officer, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"He will not be arrested," said Lt. Raymond Evers, spokesman for Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey.
"He's exercising his First Amendment rights, and we're fine with that," Evers said.
That position is in stark contrast to a letter Ramsey signed in November demanding that Lewis "immediately cease and desist" from wearing his old uniform in public.
The police union wants the protester arrested.
"If I was the city, I'd arrest him every time for impersonating a police officer," John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, told the Inquirer. The union's grievance committee could ultimately recommend a number of actions for Lewis, from a reprimand to removal from the union. If he is removed, he would lose benefits, including his life insurance and access to union-supported legal assistance.