Cop ousted for lobbing 'N-word' kept gig training police academy recruits: report

A police officer in the city of Stoneham, Massachusetts resigned last year after an investigation concluded he'd taken part in repeated incidents of racism.

However, CBS Boston reported Tuesday that the officer, former Sergeant Thomas Heller, for months kept a gig as an instructor at the nearby Lynnfield Police Academy, which is run by the Municipal Police Training Committee.

Heller stepped down from the Stoneham Police Department after an independent investigator confirmed many stories about his behavior, including using the "N-word" on "approximately half a dozen occasions" while talking to other officers, directing an ethnic slur at a fellow officer, and even making an "inappropriate comment regarding a female accident victim."

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After local CBS News affiliate WBZ began asking the Municipal Police Training Committee questions about Heller's status, the organization said it has now "revoked this instructor's certification to teach courses at our academies," which it said is "in keeping with our deep commitment to upholding the core values that define our agency."

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But Tim Burke, an attorney who is representing a Stoneham officer who is suing the department, told CBS News he was floored that Heller remained in charge of training impressionable young recruits despite several instances of documented bad behavior.

"It's shocking that he'd still be employed in some capacity as a police officer and more importantly, training other officers," he said.

The town of Stoneham also gave CBS News a statement reaffirming its decision to launch an investigation of Heller that resulted in his department.

"As a direct result of his misconduct, Heller is no longer a member of the Stoneham Police Department," the town said. "There is no place for hateful language among the members of the Stoneham Police Department. We are committed to serving in partnership with our community in an unbiased and impartial manner, while treating all with respect, compassion, and fairness.

"The Stoneham Police Department is committed to delivering the highest level of police services to our community. When someone fails to meet those standards, they will be held accountable."

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