Federal authorities launch civil probe of Worcester police; will examine use of excessive force and racial bias in policing

Investigators will determine whether Worcester police use excessive force, discriminatory policing

By John Hilliard Globe Staff,Updated November 15, 2022, 3:09 p.m.

 https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/15/metro/federal-authorities-launch-civil-probe-worcester-police-will-examine-use-excessive-force-racial-bias-policing/?et_rid=1745480152&s_campaign=metroheadlines:newsletter

The probe will also review its policies, procedures, trainings, investigatory files, and data, federal officials said.

US Attorney Rachael Rollins, in the statement, said officials’ ultimate goal is to ensure that policing in Worcester is constitutional, safe, and effective while residents’ civil rights remain intact.

“The purpose of this civil investigation is to determine — through objective and thorough examination — whether or not there is an overall pattern or practice of conduct that violates the Constitution or federal law,” Rollins said. “This is the beginning of the process. We will go where the facts take us.”