Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty is speaking out after a report on a federal investigation into the city’s police department released Monday found that the law enforcement agency allowed officers to engage in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade and use excessive force.
In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Petty said he’s taking the report’s findings “very seriously,” although he’s also questioning some of the statements made by the feds.
“I take the report’s findings very seriously. While I question some of the statements made, I can only fully process the report with the investigative materials from the DOJ. I intend to request the City Manager report back with recommendations for next steps within the next 30 days as they receive and process the investigative reports,” Petty explained. “I want to ensure that this process shows compassion and empathy to those who have been impacted, including members of the BIPOC community and survivors of the commercial sex trade.”
The Department of Justice opened the investigation on Nov. 15, 2022, with U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division revealing “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.”
In addition to worries about sexual contact with women in the sex trade, the DOJ’s findings also expressed serious concerns about credible reports that officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest.
“DOJ has reasonable cause to believe that WPD has engaged in a pattern or practice of outrageous government conduct during undercover operations by allowing officers to engage in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade,” the report stated. “This sexual contact served no legitimate law enforcement purpose. Despite being on notice of these issues, WPD failed to establish the policies, training, and supervision needed to ensure officers are not violating women’s constitutional rights, instead allowing a problematic culture and unlawful conduct to continue unchecked.”
The report also found that the police department used excessive force, including the unjustified use of tasers, police dogs, and strikes to the head. Additionally, the findings raised concerns that the department engages in racially discriminatory policing.
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.
Petty added that he has “faith” in Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier and his ability to work with the community moving forward, noting that the department has already made changes based on recommendations from a voluntary racial equity audit.
“I believe we will only continue to work toward following the recommendations advised by our racial equity audit consultant by ensuring our police department operates justly,” Petty stated. “I want to recognize the many dedicated, hardworking members of the Worcester Police Department for their ongoing commitment to serve the community – I appreciate their service to our city.”
The report also made a series of recommendations from improving training on the use of force, requiring officers to report misconduct, mandating the use of body-worn cameras, and requiring supervisors to review footage to monitor officer performance.
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista expects to release a statement in the coming days.
READ THE FULL REPORT BELOW:
Finding Report – Worcester PD by Boston 25 Staff
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