But it struggled with how that investigation and a parallel effort to re-envision policing in the town of 7,700 will fit into a timeline for replacing the chief of police. The board held a special meeting to gather for the first time since mid-December announcements that then-Chief Kyle Johnson was resigning and the plaintiff in a lawsuit raising those allegations was dismissing the action. The panel faced a number of complicated questions embedded in its single-item agenda, which advertised a discussion of Next steps for the Police Department. After more than two hours of discussion among the five board members and another 40 minutes of public comment, it was apparent those steps will involve four main tasks: the search for Johnson s replacement, an assessment of the town s policing needs, a review of police policies and the probe into allegations that stretch back for more than a decade.
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As a chapter of controversy closes at the Williamstown Police Department, a chance emerges to turn the page on a new and improved era of transparency and community-police relations in this small town.
Earlier this year, Williamstown Police Sgt. Scott McGowan filed a federal civil lawsuit, alleging that former Chief Kyle Johnson subjected others in the department to a hostile work environment that included unwanted sexual contact, racist epithets and retaliation. The suit named Mr. Johnson as well as Town Manager Jason Hoch, who Sgt. McGowan said was made aware of the former chiefâs alleged conduct but did not investigate.
WILLIAMSTOWN â The Williamstown sergeant who filed a federal civil lawsuit alleging bias and sexual harassment within the townâs Police Department has dropped the case, saying through his attorney that he now seeks to fix problems from within.
The action Tuesday in U.S. District Court followed the announcement Monday that Chief Kyle Johnson had resigned, effective that day. Lt. Michael Ziemba is serving as interim chief.
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âAs a result of many people asking difficult questions, and recent actions by the town and the Select Board, [Sgt. Scott McGowan] believes that Williamstown is committed to making the changes necessary to have a Police Department that is run in a way that everyone can be proud of.â
On Monday night, he got his wish. Or, more to the point, he got half of it. If we can get this lawsuit done and over with, I would appreciate it because my community needs to heal, Ansari said during a meeting of the town s Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee. It s Christmas. Let s just hope the miracle of Christmas makes this thing go. Police Sgt. Scott McGowan, who in August filed a federal lawsuit against the town, Chief Kyle Johnson and Town Manager Jason Hoch, said Monday night that he would withdraw his suit just after it was announced to the town that Johnson was stepping down from his post.