7 Lynn Police Officers On Leave Pending Internal Investigation
LYNN (CBS) – Seven Lynn Police officers have been placed on administrative leave and the department's professional standards division is conducting an investigation.
The probe includes allegations of inappropriate language by two officers in a private text conversation, according to Lynn Police.
"Recently, another law enforcement agency brought to our attention information regarding off-duty conduct by some of our officers," said Acting Police Chief Lenny Desmarais.
"During the investigation, we found that two of the officers, in what were private text communications at that time, used racially insensitive language."
Acting Chief of the Lynn Police Department, Lenny Desmarais— wanted to speak with us early this morning to say this alleged behavior will not be tolerated and this investigation will last as long as it needs to— to ensure it is done correctly. @wbz pic.twitter.com/aQUt06DfNA
— Lisa Gresci (@Lisa_Gresci) April 23, 2021
According to WBZ-TV I-Team sources, the investigation started when an officer was arrested in connection with a domestic violence incident. He allegedly sent threatening text messages.
Sources also said investigators got a warrant for his phone discovered a group chat with six other officers that allegedly included messages with racial slurs and messages about steroids and illegal drug use.
"There were no officers planning violence against persons of color and also that's not something we'd put up with anyways," said Desmarais.
The I-Team reports all the officers involved are men. They were all tested for drugs last week.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the department said the Essex County District Attorney's Office is aware of the matter. The DA will also conduct its own investigation.