Photo: Getty Images
WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Tuesday, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts along with the Justice Department announced that agencies have opened a civil "pattern or practice" investigation into the Worcester Police Department.
Officials say the investigation will look into the WPD's for potential excessive use of force or discriminatory policing based on race or sex. The U.S. Attorney's Office says the DOJ has enough information to justify the investigation that will search the WPD's "policies, procedures, trainings, investigatory files, and data."
United States Attorney Rachael Rollins issued a statement on the civil investigation.
“The City of Worcester is a thriving and vital part of our District, and we work closely every day with its Police Department. Worcester police officers have a challenging job of ensuring the safety of the Worcester community. This often means responding to or encountering tense and at times dangerous conflicts and situations. I am well aware that the overwhelming majority of officers serve and do their jobs with honor, pride, restraint and distinction," said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The purpose of this civil investigation is to determine – through objective and thorough examination – whether or not there is an overall pattern or practice of conduct that violates the Constitution or federal law. This is the beginning of the process. We will go where the facts take us," Rollins said.
The investigation will also reportedly look at how Worcester police officers interact with the public, collect evidence, and complete investigations.
Read More: Governor Baker Dissects Trump Influence, Election Results
In 2018, the DOG launched a similar operation to investigate the Springfield Police Department. That investigation was resolved with a consent decree in 2022.
Federal officials say that the Police Chief Steven Sargent, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, and Worcester Acting City Manager Eric Batista all pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
Worcester city officials tell WBZ NewsRadio in a statement:
"The City of Worcester is working in full cooperation with the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts on the civil investigation announced this afternoon. The Worcester Police Department will continue to work with the state and federal partners on public safety initiatives to protect and serve our citizens. The City and Worcester Police Department collectively strive to deliver the highest quality of municipal services to residents and will continue to do so in a transparent and professional manner as the investigation takes its course."
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App