Justice Department Finds Worcester Police Violated Civil Rights Through Excessive Force and Sexual Misconduct

A federal investigation revealed systemic abuses, including unconstitutional use of force and sexual misconduct by officers, prompting calls for urgent reforms.

• The U.S. Justice Department's two-year investigation found the Worcester Police Department engaged in excessive force and unconstitutional practices, violating the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
• Officers were reported to have engaged in sexual misconduct with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade, including threats of arrest to coerce compliance.
• Investigators identified patterns of excessive force, including unjustified use of tasers, police dogs, and strikes to the head, often escalating minor incidents unnecessarily.
• The report highlighted deficiencies in policies, training, supervision, and accountability, which enabled systemic misconduct and raised concerns about racially discriminatory policing.
• The Justice Department has proposed reforms, including improved training, mandatory body camera use, and stricter policies on investigating officer misconduct, while seeking community input on further actions.

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