Town of Wayland Releases Report on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Police Chief Gibbons

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AYLAND — The Wayland Select Board today released information about Sean Gibbons’ resignation as Chief of the Wayland Police Department.

Gibbons joined the Department in 2002.

He was sworn in as Chief in December 2021 and was placed on leave on March 31 when Town officials received reports of past instances in which he allegedly violated Department policy.

After learning of these allegations, the Town retained Clifford & Kenny, LLP to conduct an independent review.

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The firm shared its findings with the Select Board in September after determining that sufficient evidence existed to corroborate allegations that Gibbons violated the Wayland Police Department’s policies regarding sexual harassment as well as other Department rules and regulations.

A version of the report, which has been redacted to protect the identity and privacy of the reporting parties, is available here.

The Select Board and Gibbons recently came to terms on an employment settlement agreement in which Gibbons agreed to resign from his position effective on Dec. 20, 2022.

To view the settlement agreement, click here.

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“We have received the report from the firm of Clifford & Kenny, LLP and have reviewed its findings,” said Vice Chair Dave Watkins speaking for the Select Board. ”We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously. We do not tolerate violations of any of our policies.”

Ed Burman has been acting Police Chief since earlier this year.

As required by law, the Town of Wayland will forward the investigative report to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST).

“The Select Board and Town administration once again thank the members of the Wayland Police Department for their patience during this challenging period and thank community members for their understanding and patience throughout this process. It is the Town’s sincere belief that the course taken was done in the best interests of the Town, the Police Department and the residents of Wayland,” said a press release.