In September 2024, WRRB released Mass. Exodus from Civil Service, a report analyzing the City’s petition to remove Worcester Police Department’s Chief of Police & Deputy Chief positions from civil service. Since then, a new economic development bill signed into law by the Governor has significantly changed civil service hiring processes for departments across the Commonwealth.
This brief outlines those changes and their affects on police and fire departments, including the state’s approval of Worcester’s petition to exempt WPD’s Chief and deputies from civil service. With both positions set to be removed from civil service on March 1, the City Manager will have an opportunity to set a precedent for how WPD’s leadership will be appointed. The Bureau examines how findings from the DOJ investigation and the adoption of a transparent, merit-based selection process could ensure accountability within WPD. Additionally, the Bureau explores how utilizing the new state civil service laws, along with existing civil service laws, could help close WPD’s diversity gap.
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