A Texas police chief accused of using the N-word on multiple occasions at a murder scene was on Tuesday placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the allegation.
According to KSAT, the body-worn camera of a Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputy recorded Castroville Police Chief Brian Jackson allegedly uttering the racial slur at least three times. Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown told the news outlet that he got in touch with Castroville city officials after hearing the racially derogatory comments in the recording.
Jackson was recorded allegedly using the slur while he was having a conversation about where the murder victim came from. That was after he had responded to the scene.
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In the wake of the controversy, Castroville’s City Council unanimously voted to place their police chief on administrative leave until an investigation is concluded. “We don’t take this lightly,” Castroville Mayor Darrin Schroeder told the San Antonio Express News. “Discrimination and racism is a huge problem in our country and the world, and it can’t be a problem in Castroville.”
Schroeder also sent a statement to KSAT reiterating the city of Castroville “does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”
“Our criminal justice system cannot be shaped by biased policing and unfair judicial precedents, including attitudes and actions that are rooted in racism and other forms of discrimination. The emotional, mental, physical, and financial impact on our communities is a tangible experience for too many and must be taken seriously,” the statement added.
“The threat of racial violence is real, so we must take seriously all words and actions that can be precursors to that. Everyone deserves due process.
“We have been notified of allegations against Police Chief Jackson and are investigating them according to our policies and with all diligence. We believe in all human rights, so we will not discipline simply on rumors or hearsay, but we will act decisively if we determine guilt of discrimination.”
