LONOKE COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) -- Lonoke County Sheriff Deputies are sparking a controversial debate on social media about whether they should put "In God We Trust" stickers on their patrol cars.
For Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, the conversation started after members of the community saw the sticker on police cars in Texas.
"Its patriotism," said Staley. My beliefs might be different than your belief of a higher power that has authority over us."
Those four words were adapted as the country's official motto back in 1956. "Our sheriff's association sent out a letter saying 'hey look- if you're interested in this, other agencies are doing it."
He took it to social media after people in the community offered to donate the decals. As of Monday afternoon, Staley had more than 1,300 likes and 161 shares on Facebook.
Some commented on his post and questioned if adding the sticker would violate the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
They argue a state agency should not impose any specific religion.
Sheriff Staley says it's not about that. "In God We Trust- your God may be different than my God. You may have trust in your God, that's great."
The sheriff will let his deputies have the final say on Tuesday afternoon.
