Worcester Police 'Overdue For Civilian Oversight,' Research Bureau Says

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Police Department is overdue for civilian oversight, according to a report from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.

The 27-page report, released on Tuesday, argues that a civilian oversight entity will strengthen accountability and rebuild public trust. WRBB is a nonprofit that serves the public interest by conducting independent, non-partisan research into public policy issues.

The report's key findings included that Worcester is noticeably absent in oversight entities among its peers nationally and current systems may fall short of best oversight practices.

WRBB stated there are 14 minimum features of effective oversight for a civilian entity, including limits on police representation, inclusive membership, subpoena power, and member training requirements.

"Civilian oversight will require resources, careful planning, and attention to municipal and state law, collective bargaining agreements, and Worcester’s city charter," the report read. " We should all recognize that developing a strong civilian oversight system should be a deliberate process that prioritizes getting it right rather than doing it quickly, requiring thoughtful participation from the City Administration, WPD, EODEI, the City Council, the public, and other stakeholders in shaping its form."

You can read the full report here.

See Also:

• Worcester Gets $420K To Provide Training, Jobs For 40 Underemployed Individuals
  
• Worcester Airport Offering Service To This Florida Airport
• More Than 1K Residents Without Power In Worcester County Amid Nor'Easter
• Thousands In Merchandise Stolen From Worcester Gaming Store, Owner Says
• Worcester County DA Hosts Event On Holistic Approaches To Substance Use Recovery