WORCESTER—City Hall has officially rolled out a series of enhanced security measures, including the presence of full-time security officers and the installation of screening equipment for all visitors.
The changes took effect May 27 and follow what City Manager Eric D. Batista described as “several months of evaluating City Hall and its vulnerabilities,” including a formal security audit and public feedback.
According to city spokesperson Tom Matthews, that audit was conducted in early 2024 and its findings were shared with the city council during an executive session. Security protocols were then developed from those findings.
“These are practical measures that establish a basic level of security and safety while keeping the building open and welcoming to the public,” Batista said in the city’s announcement. “It is critical that we take the safety of the public and staff inside City Hall seriously.”
The new measures come amid heightened attention to public safety at City Hall, following weeks of unrest and protests sparked by the controversial ICE arrest on Eureka Street earlier this month. Though the city did not cite the incident directly, public meetings since May 8 have drawn large crowds and protests. However, Matthews clarified that the security changes were already underway prior to those events and were not a direct response to the protests.
Under the new system, security compliance officers — branded as Worcester Municipal Security (WMS) — are stationed at City Hall during all public hours. Officers open and close the building, patrol hallways, screen visitors, and respond to any incidents that arise. WMS officers are municipal employees hired through city job postings, Matthews said. They undergo city orientation followed by additional training in collaboration with the Commissioner of Emergency Communications and Management.
A key change is the introduction of new screening technology in the first-floor vestibule, which all visitors must pass through upon entering. The system is designed to detect weapons and contraband such as guns, knives, and bombs. Matthews emphasized that while the scanners detect restricted items, they do not collect or store any visitor data.
After screening, visitors must sign in, state their business, and wear a visitor badge. These accountability measures are intended to improve emergency preparedness. Badges, the city says, allow staff and officers to account for everyone in the building in case of a lockdown, shelter-in-place, or evacuation.
The screening process applies to the public, city staff, and media members alike, though some exemptions are made for on-duty law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel responding to emergencies.
Additional changes are set to take effect throughout June. City Hall will designate new free 30-minute public parking spaces along Main Street for residents conducting business in the building. In turn, access to the City Hall parking garage will be restricted to authorized vehicles only.
The Worcester Common entrance will also be partially closed to the public, now serving only those accessing the restroom facilities. All other visitors must use the Main Street entrance.
Matthews said security officers are also meant to serve as ambassadors who can assist visitors and maintain a welcoming atmosphere, even with the enhanced protocols. “People will remain welcomed to conduct their usual business at City Hall and attend public meetings just as before,” he said.
As for public concerns about transparency or accessibility, Matthews acknowledged the city has received both supportive and critical feedback. He said that input was taken into account while developing the safety plan.
Visitors flagged for carrying restricted items will be allowed to secure those items off-site and return; they are not permanently barred from entry. However, the city will not be tracking or publishing how many people are turned away.
The measures, while permanent, will be continuously evaluated for effectiveness, Matthews added. Similar security protocols could also be considered for other municipal buildings or public spaces in Worcester.
“I acknowledge these updates will be a change and take some time to get used to,” Batista said. “They are in best interest of everyone’s safety and will be implemented in a courteous and professional manner.”
The city will post further details and signage to help guide the public through the changes in the coming weeks.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional information provided by a City of Worcester spokesperson regarding the timing, implementation, and scope of the new City Hall security measures.
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