Two years after launching an investigation of the Worcester Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice published a report rebuking the agency for "outrageous government conduct," including the use of excessive force and sexual wrongdoing. An attorney representing the city called the report "unfair, inaccurate and biased." Then-U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachel Rollins launched the review in November 2022, but her office did not reveal what led to the investigation. At the time, Police Chief Steven Sargent, Mayor Joseph Petty and Acting City Manager Eric Batista all pledged to cooperate. A 43-page report published by the DOJ on Monday finds that the police department and city "engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law."“Excessive force and sexual misconduct at the hands of officers who took an oath to serve and protect deeply diminishes the public’s trust in its sworn officers” U.S. Attorney for Mas...
