ATTLEBORO, Mass. — A state lawmaker who co-sponsored a bill that could have gotten police officers fired for cursing or using racial slurs while interacting with the public has withdrawn his support of the proposal.

State Rep. Paul Heroux now says he made a mistake in supporting the bill and won't vote for it if it makes it out of committee, which he says is unlikely.

The Attleboro Democrat says he received calls and emails critical of the bill following media reports last week.

The presidents of two major police chiefs organizations in the state came out against the measure.

Police chiefs say most departments already have rules that would preclude an officer from using offensive language under conduct unbecoming an officer policies.