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The town government in Williamstown, Massachusetts has reiterated its support for an independent investigation of its police department following allegations of racism, sexual assault and the resignation of the police chief.
The Northern Berkshire community of around 7,500 was rocked by an August 2020 lawsuit from Sergeant Scott McGowan alleging that Chief Kyle Johnson had allowed for gratuitous racism and sexism in the department, even accusing Johnson of committing sexual assault himself. While Johnson resigned in December and McGowan has since dropped his suit, community members have continued calls for an investigation into the department. At its Monday night meeting, select board chair Jane Patton underscored the town’s commitment to such an investigation, especially after the chaotic events of January 6th in Washington that saw both on and off duty law enforcement officers participate in the violent attack on the Capitol by right-wing extremists.