Worcester Police Reform Strategy: Attack the DOJ

Full and original article posted on This Week in Worcester

WORCESTER – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) into the Worcester Police Department (WPD) announced over two years ago, on Nov. 15, 2022, has concluded.

The report’s executive summary says:

“DOJ has reasonable cause to believe that WPD and the City engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law. First, WPD uses excessive force. Second, WPD engages in outrageous government conduct by permitting undercover officers to participate in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade.”

The private attorney representing the city in the matter, former federal prosecutor Brian Kelly, released a statement to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette early Monday morning, slamming the report as “unfair, inaccurate and biased.” Kelly added that the report “unfairly smears the entire Worcester police force by claiming there is a pattern or practice by the WPD to engage in excessive use of force and sexual harassment of prostitutes.”

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