WORCESTER, Mass. — In the wake of last week’s scathing federal report that slammed the Worcester Police Department for “outrageous government conduct”, the city announced Monday that it is establishing a new hotline for citizens to report acts of misconduct.
People can call the public at 774-548-1696 to submit a report of discrimination, bias, harassment or excessive force or submit reports via an online intake form available on the City of Worcester website at https://forms.worcesterma.gov/f/InvestigationsIntake.
The hotline was operational as of Monday and will be reviewed by Worcester’s Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The form can be found on the municipality’s homepage as well as the departmental pages for the EODEI, City Manager’s Office, Worcester 311, Mayor’s Office, City Council Office, and Human Resources. Residents can also visit the EODEI at 51 Sever St. should they prefer to submit a report in person. Residents are asked to please leave a voicemail if their call is not answered. Investigators will return the call as soon as possible.
The Department of Justice opened the investigation on Nov. 15, 2022, with U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy on Monday announcing “serious and sobering” findings in a 41-page report that concluded there’s “reasonable cause to believe” Worcester police and the city “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.”
Federal investigators detailed specific examples of excessive use of force by officers, including unjustified uses of tasers, police dogs, and strikes to the head. The report also stated that officers rapidly escalated minor incidents by using more force than necessary, including during encounters with people who have behavioral health disabilities or are in crisis.
The feds also said the department violated the constitutional rights of women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade by engaging in sexual contact while undercover as part of official investigations.
The DOJ’s findings also expressed serious concerns about credible reports that officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest.
The report did acknowledge that changes have already been made by the city and department, while also identifying additional remedial measures that the department believes are necessary to address its findings.
“The launch of the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s hotline is an important step in ensuring that the proper policies and procedures are in place for accountability,” said Worcester City Manager Eric Batista. “I have full confidence in the EODEI to build upon the policyand practice efforts we are already making.”
“I want to reaffirm the municipality’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents,” said Chief Equity Officer Kevin Lovaincy. “The EODEI will continue to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to foster relationships of trust and collaboration. All investigations conducted within the EODEI will be performed impartially, without bias, to ensure a system of checks and balances that protects the integrity of the process and upholds accountability.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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