TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Fraternal Order of Police has accused incumbent Shawnee County Sheriff Herman Jones of attempting to stop deputies from exercising their right to participate in political campaigns.

According to a news release from the group, Jones issued a memo through legal counsel to officers informing them that active participation in political campaigns by any officers or sheriff’s office employees violates Kansas law and could lead to termination of their employment.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports it could not reach Jones for comment.

Exceptions for political participation include the sheriff, undersheriff, secretarial employees, clerical employees, cooks and maintenance personnel.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 president Kristen Marr says the group has directed its attorneys to respond to the memo.