2 Capitol Police kept from inauguration

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- Two U.S. Capitol Police officers were seen prior to the presidential inauguration with people whose racial views were questionable, The Washington Post said.

Citing sources, the newspaper reported Friday that law enforcement agencies working on security for the January inauguration of President Barack Obama were advised of an FBI investigation that involved taped surveillance of two off-duty veteran Capitol Police officers associating with people whose racial attitudes and risk of violent behavior were being evaluated.

The sources said a meeting that was taped did not focus on Obama, but federal officials took steps to see to it that the two officers were not assigned to cover the Capitol during the inauguration.

FBI officials notified Capitol Police counterparts but then became concerned when there was no indication that Capitol Police were doing anything about the alert, sources told the Post. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan talked to then-Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who said he would take the issue up with congressional inauguration organizers if the Capitol Police did not take action, a senior federal official told the newspaper.

A U.S. official with knowledge of the development -- while noting that "everyone has the right to freedom of expression" -- told the Post "there are codes of conduct that are necessary for law enforcement and people in positions of public trust."