Police records out of Washington D.C. show that Jay-Z is among a list of celebrities who have received police escorts, which shows how common this practice is. The Associated Press requested these records using the Freedom of Information Act. AP then received information from the last year and a half, information that includes a list of those who received police escorts when these escorts are intended to be used for government officials and foreign dignitaries. In their research, AP found a list of people who received these services that includes celebrities, professional athletes, team owners and college athletes. This practice was brought to light after actor Charlie Sheen received police escorts, which he discussed on Twitter.
While Cathy Lanier, D.C. Police Chief, recently said these escorts were reserved for the president, vice president or other government officials, she did add that escorts can be used for other reasons.
“There are legitimate reasons for many of these escorts,” she told AP. “There may be. I just don’t know.”
This news came after Charlie Sheen posted an image of his speedometer registering at 80 miles per hour, Tweeting through his drive, “In car with Police escort in front and rear! Driving like someone’s about to deliver a baby! Cop car lights #Spinning!”
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Lanier came out against this, saying this instance was a violation of protocol. However, records now show other celebrities have received police escorts in the past. Whether they violated protocol as well is not known.
Jay-Z’s escort took place on March 3, 2010 and went from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. This was reimbursed fully, reportedly costing $1,114.20.
Escorts are provided at about $55 per hour and many of these escorts have been paid back. Bill Gates, another celebrity named in the report, has also fully reimbursed the department for his police escort.
Kris Baumann, a police union chairman, says officers know this is a typical practice and he wants others to know it as well.
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“As officers, we know this goes on a routine basis,” he noted. “Just acknowledge it.”
