Police chiefs ‘condemn racism in any form’ in response to DeForest YouTube controversy

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Via vi.deforest.wi.us

The Dane County Chiefs of Police Association is “condemning racism in any form” in response to the actions of a local police chief that led to him being put on leave.

DeForest Police Chief Dan Furseth was put on paid administrative leave May 23 after a YouTube video surfaced of what appears to be Furseth making racist comments about a group of black men.

DeForest Village President Judd Blau said the video is at least 10 years old and was posted to social media in 2015 by someone who was “disgruntled” with the police department.

The Dane County Chiefs of Police Association released a letter Tuesday saying acts of racism can’t be tolerated.

“We condemn racism in any form, and will speak out against acts by our own that negatively impact our relationships with the community and undermine the efforts and progress we have made to improve trust between law enforcement and communities of color,” said the statement signed by President of the Dane County Chiefs of Police Association and Town of Madison Police Chief Scott Gregory.

The letter said the organization intends to continue work to build trust between communities.

“Just as trust is built one interaction at a time, it can also be compromised by the acts of one,” the letter said. “And when that one officer is a law enforcement leader, the resulting impact is even more devastating both to our communities and to our profession.”

In June, the village offered Furseth a severance package in the $120,000 range that was made up of six months worth of salary, accrued sick time and unused vacation time. Blau confirmed to News 3 Tuesday that Furseth declined the severance package and rescinded his resignation.

In July, the village of DeForest opened a department-wide investigation into the police department.

Blau said the second investigation is an “internal matter” unrelated to racial bias. A human resources attorney is investigating the matter, he said.

Blau told News 3 the DeForest Village Board will be meeting Tuesday night to decide whether to file a claim against Furseth with the Village of DeForest Police Commission. The commission would decide whether or not to fire Furseth.

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