The Worcester Police Department in Massachusetts has been criticized for allowing officers to have sexual contact with women believed to be involved in the sex trade. This information emerged from a report by the U.S. Justice Department, which was released following a comprehensive two-year investigation.
This 41-page document also pointed out incidents of excessive force utilized by the police, including unwarranted uses of tasers, police dogs, and head strikes. These findings have raised significant alarm regarding potential racial bias in policing practices within the department. Worcester, which is roughly 50 miles west of Boston, is the second-largest city in Massachusetts with a population nearing 207,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Joshua Levy, expressed the serious implications of such misconduct, stating that the excessive force and sexual impropriety displayed by some officers undermine public confidence in law enforcement. He acknowledged that these actions do not represent the dedication and ethics of the numerous honorable officers within the Worcester Police Department (WPD).
Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, indicated optimism about collaborating with local officials to implement reforms aimed at eliminating these unethical and unconstitutional practices.
In response to the report, Brian T. Kelly, an attorney representing the Worcester Police Department, described the findings as “unfair, inaccurate and biased.” He noted that authorities had fully cooperated with the federal investigation but criticized the report for lacking specificity in identifying corrupt officers. Kelly argued that the investigation, conducted by civil lawyers with no prosecutorial experience, relied on broad accusations without pinpointing any individuals who could be prosecuted if the allegations held merit.
A representative for Worcester City Manager Eric Batista indicated that a public statement regarding the report would be forthcoming. The department’s findings revealed that police officers often escalated minor incidents unnecessarily, particularly when interacting with individuals experiencing behavioral health issues or crises, which constitutes a breach of the Fourth Amendment.
Additionally, the report detailed concerns regarding credible allegations that some officers sexually assaulted women while threatening them with arrest and highlighted that the WPD lacks appropriate protocols to address and investigate these serious claims. Such actions, particularly when carried out under the guise of undercover operations, violate the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, as per the report.
Among the numerous recommendations outlined are enhancements in training related to appropriate use of force, requirements for officers to report misconduct, mandatory use of body-worn cameras, and supervisory review of such footage to track officer conduct. The report further suggests that the police department should educate members on lawful investigative methods for enforcing prostitution laws, categorically banning sexual interactions in the course of law enforcement activities.
The investigation by the Justice Department commenced on November 15, 2022, and its findings have brought to light critical areas in need of reform within the Worcester Police Department.
