A former Canton police sergeant has been found to have violated multiple department policies through years of offensive text messages, discriminatory remarks, and improper conduct. According to an independent investigation commissioned by the Town of Canton, Sean Goode engaged in racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, misogynistic, ableist, and otherwise discriminatory behavior.
The report, released on Monday, found that Goode authored and participated in messages that were shared with acquaintances through WhatsApp group chats dating back to 2013. The investigation was sparked after the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office alerted Interim Police Chief Joseph Perkins about text messages involving Goode and former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor.
The report notes that Goode refused to attend a scheduled investigatory interview, which constituted an additional allegation of insubordination. Before the interview could take place, Goode submitted his resignation on May 29, effective June 2.
The investigation concluded that there was "sufficient credible evidence" that Goode violated multiple Canton Police Department policies and regulations, including rules governing harassment and discrimination, professional conduct, mobile data access, insubordination, conduct unbecoming an officer, and the dissemination of official information. The report recommends no further personnel action beyond notifying the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission of the findings.
The Town of Canton has called for Goode's "permanent disqualification" from being allowed to serve as a police officer due to his disturbing pattern of conduct.