A police officer in San Jose, California, was fired after an investigation revealed he despatched “disgusting textual content messages that confirmed racial bias.” San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata said in a statement Friday.
The previous officer, Mark McNamara — who had been with the police division for six years, in accordance with the discharge — was found to have despatched quite a lot of racist textual content messages throughout an inside affairs investigation on behalf of a person. Unrelated criminal investigation In an officer-involved capturing at La Victoria Taqueria in downtown San Jose on March 27, 2022, by which McNamara was additionally concerned.
When the textual content messages have been found, a separate investigation into McNamara was launched “instantly,” Mata mentioned.
Considered one of McNamara’s textual content messages, in accordance with paperwork launched by police, mentioned: “I hate black individuals.” In one other message, McNamara recognized himself as white.
He additionally used variations of the N-word a number of instances, in accordance with a trove of messages launched by police.
The present worker on the police pressure who was discovered to have been receiving a few of McNamara’s messages “engaged in different conversations associated to the previous officer,” Mata mentioned within the assertion. This unnamed worker has been positioned on administrative go away pending an inside investigation.
“There may be zero tolerance for any expression of racial bias on the San Jose Police Division,” Mata mentioned within the assertion, including that “the letters have been discovered attributable to expanded efforts by our Inner Affairs Unit to completely examine all questionable conduct.” That is why we have invested in a brand new early warning system.”
Mata mentioned that is the “promised accountability” ensuing from his administration being “proactive and clear” in all investigations.
“If any worker’s racial bias rears its ugly head, you will be assured that I’ll take rapid motion to make sure they don’t seem to be a part of this group,” Mata mentioned. “I’m extraordinarily pleased with the 99.9% of officers whose accomplishments and dedication to serving this group are unparalleled, and I cannot enable the actions of some officers to overshadow the distinctive work that will get completed in our metropolis daily.”
“There may be nothing extra disgusting than an individual in energy abusing their place,” Mayor Matt Mahan mentioned within the assertion. “I am going to sleep higher tonight realizing this particular person not has a badge and a gun.”
It was not instantly clear whether or not McNamara is represented by an legal professional. Contact info for McNamara couldn’t instantly be present in a public database.
In an announcement Saturday, San Jose Police Officers Affiliation President Steve Slack referred to as the alleged conduct “unacceptable” and mentioned “we condemn it within the strongest attainable phrases.”
“This incident represents the actions of a person. It’s not a mirrored image on these of us who serve honorably and who deal with each member of our group with the respect and dignity they deserve,” the assertion mentioned. “If these allegations are true, this particular person ought to face the harshest penalties attainable.”
McNamara is not represented by the affiliation.
“He has resigned from the pressure and has subsequently misplaced his union membership,” mentioned affiliation spokesman Tom Sagao.
