We sent the following letter to the Mayor’s office as well as Chief Reddy regarding the seven officers who allegedly sent racist texts. We are committed to holding our officials, elected or not, accountable to the community.
Dear Mayor McGee and Chief Reddy,
We write to you as concerned residents and as members of Prevent The Cycle in the hopes that your administration, and the Lynn Police Department, provide much-needed updates regarding the city and police department’s investigation into the seven police officers and their alleged drug use and use of racist language in private texts.
Lynn Police received information as a result of an investigation out of the Salem District Court, which revealed the nature of these conversations. The interim chief at the time, Lenny Desmarais, stated that the officers were placed on administrative leave and an investigation was immediately opened.
Lt. Michael Kmiec responded to public outcry and media inquiries, stating that the LPD is committed to conducting a “transparent investigation into the conduct.” And here is where our concern lies; it has been several months since the public was made aware of these allegations, yet no additional updates have been provided.
Transparency and accountability are vital to building and maintaining public trust — especially when it comes to handling complaints of possible police misconduct. The lack of information can impact the relationship LPD strives to rebuild and fortify with the community it serves. We therefore ask on behalf of the Lynn community that public updates be provided as soon as possible via all available methods to the Lynn community, and that going forward, there be a more consistent method of communication to the community.
We eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Prevent The Cycle
