Boston Police announced today that Commissioner Ed Davis has fired Justin Barrett, a police officer who sent out a mass e-mail referring to Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates as "a jungle monkey."
In a statement, Davis said:
After a thorough investigation of this matter, it is evident that Officer Barrett’s actions do not comply with that standard. Given the egregious nature of his actions and its effect on our community, I strongly believe that the only appropriate discipline is termination. I commend the officers who voiced their disapproval of Officer Barrett's actions. Our department has a top to bottom commitment to community policing, which is founded in trust. We will not allow the actions of one to damage the community relationships that are essential to our mission to serve the citizens of Boston.
Barrett, 36, had been a Boston cop since 2007. He was most recently assigned to District B-3, which covers Mattapan and part of Dorchester. In August, Barrett filed a federal lawsuit against the city for the disciplinary action against him.
Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!
Ad: