In a year that has seen a surge in protests against police brutality and racial inequality, a Massachusetts State police officer has been fired after reportedly yelling racial slurs during an off-duty confrontation.
The encounter occurred when the former officer got into a heated exchange with a motorist on Revere Beach Blvd. The trooper was deemed the aggressor because he “approached a male in a stationary vehicle” to start an argument, the department confirmed.
The officer who remains unidentified was a rookie officer on a probationary period assigned to the Danvers barracks during the time of the exchange.
“I am disgusted and disappointed by the conduct that occurred, which is the antithesis of the standards of conduct and personal behavior we expect and demand of our members,” Col. Christopher Mason said in a statement.
“The action taken today underscores the position I have affirmed since I became Colonel, specifically, that we will have no tolerance for such conduct and will move to resolve such matters as quickly as possible. This subject is not fit to wear the badge or call themselves a member of the department.”
Neither the race of the trooper nor the victim has been revealed. State Police will refer the incident to the Massachusetts Attorney General for review and possible civil or criminal action.
