WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council on Tuesday evening fields an agenda headlined by public backlash following the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report on the Worcester Police Department (WPD). The report, which accuses the WPD of systemic unconstitutional practices, including excessive force, sexual misconduct, and racial discrimination, has drawn sharp criticism and competing demands for accountability and transparency.
Union representatives Richard Cipro, Anthony Petrone, and Thomas Duffy, on behalf of police unions Local 504 and Local 911, are calling on the council to request the DOJ release its full investigatory report, particularly detailing what the DOJ refers to as “credible allegations” of criminal sexual misconduct. They argue the public should see specific names, dates, and other evidence to support these allegations.
At the same time, advocates such as Audra Doody of the Safe Exit Initiative are voicing their concerns about the DOJ report. Doody petitioned the council to address comments made by outside counsel Brian T. Kelly, which some believe minimize the severity of the DOJ findings. Doody, in her petition, criticized Kelly’s remarks published in the Telegram & Gazette, stating, “These remarks not only misrepresent the gravity of the situation but also undermine the trust and confidence of our local governance.”
She called on city leaders to issue a public apology to survivors and others affected by the alleged misconduct, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. “It is crucial that our city leaders acknowledge the impact of their words and address the community’s concerns directly,” Doody wrote. The petition further urged officials to release evidence “that debunks many of the anonymous claims” in the report, emphasizing that these steps are necessary to rebuild trust and restore confidence in city governance.
Another petition, from Liz Grajales of Project Priceless, demands the council not only acknowledge and apologize for abuses detailed in the DOJ report but also commit resources to support abused women. Among her requests are financial reparations, mental health resources, and the decriminalization of victims of sexual exploitation.
This highly charged debate over the DOJ report will be a centerpiece of the meeting, but councilors will also address several other significant agenda items:
Other Council Agenda Highlights:
- Bowling history commemoration: Councilor Morris A. Bergman proposes creating a monument at Pearl Street, marking the location where candlepin bowling was invented 145 years ago.
- Housing tax reform proposal: Michael J. Grandone requests a report on the legality of establishing a third real estate tax classification for multi-unit housing. This proposal could shift the tax burden from single-family homeowners to multi-family property owners.
- Mental health services at city Shelters: Charles McNeil is asking council to assess staffing and mental health services at city-run facilities serving homeless residents. He also called for increased funding to address gaps in care.
- Commercial vehicle restrictions: Councilor George J. Russell is revisiting a proposed ordinance to prohibit commercial vehicles over 11,000 pounds from parking citywide, except during active deliveries.
Worcester City Council meets on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) Chamber at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
