BART Police Department takes immediate action following allegations of racist language

[Article updated at 4:15pm, May 15, 2023]

The officer who is the subject of the investigation has resigned from the BART Police Department. The BPD Internal Affairs investigation continues. 

The BART Police Department is investigating allegations by a member of the public that a BPD officer used racist and abhorrent language in a video while off-duty. The officer accused of this offensive behavior has been placed on paid administrative leave while the origin and the veracity of the video are investigated.

The video was received and reviewed by the department on Wednesday, May 10th and the officer was placed on leave the same day. The officer will remain on leave while the BART Police Department conducts a full investigation.

“The language in the video is deeply offensive and has no place at the BART Police Department,” said interim Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “It does not reflect our values as individuals or as a department that prioritizes community policing. BART and the BART Police Department are committed to fighting racism.”

The BPD Internal Affairs Division is investigating the allegation. The Office of the Independent Police Auditor (OIPA) monitors and reviews BPD internal investigations as part of its many duties. OIPA and the BART Police Citizen Review Board provide independent oversight of BPD.

[Original article posted May 11, 2023]