Scott D. Benton, Chief of Police
20 Essex St
Whitman, MA 02382
For Immediate Release
Friday, Aug. 2, 2019
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: ben@jgpr.net
A Statement from Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton
WHITMAN — Chief Scott Benton is providing the following statement regarding the reinstatement of two Whitman Police officers:
“On July 27, I was made aware of allegations on social media of potential misconduct by two Whitman Police officers involving the consumption of alcohol at an area restaurant.
A prompt internal investigation was launched by the Whitman Police Department. Our investigation revealed that the author of the social media post later admitted that he may have ’embellished’ the details of the situation. The author has since deleted his Facebook account.
Regardless of the origination of the allegations, the Whitman Police Department takes all reports and allegations relative to police officer conduct seriously.
Our investigation determined that the officers in question were off-duty and were not wearing any identifiable part of their uniform. The officers were wearing civilian clothing and were at the restaurant at their own expense.
While an officer is required to model a certain level of conduct both on and off duty, our investigation did not reveal any conduct by either of these officers which would compromise either of their reputations or the reputation of the Whitman Police Department.
The two officers involved have been returned to duty.
I feel that it is important to come out with the results of such investigations after the results have been ascertained.
At this point, this is now considered a personnel matter and no further information will be released.”
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