According to officials, the Justice Department opened a pattern or practice investigation into the Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts.
This civil investigation will assess whether WPD engages in a pattern or practice of excessive force or discriminatory policing based on race or sex.
The investigation will include a comprehensive review of policies, procedures, training, investigatory files, and data.
The investigation will also include a review of WPD’s accountability systems, including its systems to address misconduct complaints and discipline.
The department will also evaluate how WPD officers interact with the public, collect evidence, and complete investigations.
“Based on information provided to the Justice Department, we find significant justification to investigate whether the Worcester Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of racially discriminatory and gender-biased policing, and uses excessive force,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law.
The statute allows the department to remedy such misconduct through civil litigation.
The Justice Department will assess law enforcement practices under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Safe Streets Act of 1968, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This is the second investigation of a Massachusetts law enforcement agency conducted under this statute.
In 2018, the Justice Department opened an investigation of the Springfield Police Department, which was resolved by a consent decree in 2022.
Prior to this announcement, department officials informed Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Worcester Acting City Manager Eric Batista and Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent of the investigation.
They pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
As part of this investigation, the department officials will reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with WPD.