05 November 2023 , 12:51
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A California police officer was sacked after an investigation found he made repeated and "disgusting" racist comments.
An investigation into former officer Mark McNamara found he allegedly sent "disgusting text messages that demonstrated racial bias," including use of the n-word and writing "I hate black people." In a press release, San Jose Chief of Police Anthony Mata confirmed that McNamara is "no longer employed with the City."
The texts were discovered by internal affairs investigators after McNamara was placed on administrative leave following an officer-related shooting in the downtown area of San Jose on March 27, 2022. Texts found in the criminal investigation show McNamara sent them the day after the shooting, as well as in June and July this year.
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The alleged messages came to light amid an unrelated investigation (CBS)A list of the alleged messages was included in the police press release and showed an individual using the n-word a number of times. The names of the recipients of the messages have been redacted.
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Chief Mata said: "These texts were uncovered because of systems I put into place over a year ago, including a personal commitment that only officers who live up to our standards and values wear a San José PD badge. There is zero tolerance for even a single expression of racial bias at the San José Police Department."
He continued: "The messages were found due to the expansion of our Internal Affairs Unit’s efforts to thoroughly investigate all questionable conduct and is why we have made investments in a new early warning system. I made it clear last year when I expanded our investigation systems that we would be proactive and transparent in identifying patterns of policy violations."
Mayor Matt Mahan said the incident was 'sickening' (CBS)The chief said criminal charges had not yet been filed. An unnamed employee has also been placed on administrative leave "pending an internal investigation" because they had received McNamara's messages and "engaged in other concerning dialogue with the former officer."
Mayor Matt Mahan said the incident was a "sickening" example of a "person in power abusing their position." He said: "I will sleep better tonight knowing that this individual is no longer carrying a badge and gun."
The mayor continued: " Assuming these allegations are upheld, he should face the full consequences of his actions. Despite this officer’s reprehensible conduct, we have the best police department in the nation and to keep it that way, we are going to fire any employee who does not show appropriate respect for every resident."
San Jose Police Officers' Association confined McNamara is no longer represented by the organisation.
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