GREENWOOD, Ind. — Greenwood police officer Sam Bowen sat before the merit board Wednesday during a four-hour meeting.
He's accused of sending messages using derogatory language about various groups of people.
Back in August, 13News got copies of documents in Bowen's disciplinary investigation. It said the messages include numerous statements that many would find offensive.
When Bowen took the stand Wednesday, he said it was tough looking back on the messages. He said he's not proud of them and called it "humor with friends" to help deal with stress after a difficult two years.
He denied racially profiling anyone.
"Like I said, I was dealing with stress, looking for a way to relieve it," Bowen said during the hearing. "That's the way I was taught to relieve it. When I was young, I was malleable. I was taught this is the way we do things. I didn't necessarily know it was wrong at the time. Now seeing it for what it is, seeing yeah it was wrong, I would absolutely never do it again."
Bowen is accused of violating the department's information and technology use, mobile data center use and standards of conduct policies.
Police department leaders said they stand behind the recommendation to terminate Bowen's employment, saying it starts with community trust and they believe Bowen violated that trust.
Bowen told the board he believes this investigation started in response to a lawsuit he filed against the department in June.
The merit board did not announce a decision Wednesday night. They plan to have an executive session on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m. and will make an announcement during a subsequent regular meeting.