WORCESTER—Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, has resigned from the board of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB), citing concerns over the timing of the bureau’s recent report on civilian police oversight.
“To issue a report and recommendation three weeks before a competitive municipal election was, in my judgment, a mistake that does a disservice to the important discussion and debate this issue warrants,” Murray said in a statement Friday.
Murray said he has long valued the research bureau’s work, but also raised concerns that board members are not notified when reports are released nor asked for input on research topics.
The WRRB report, Overdue for Civilian Oversight: A Pathway for Lasting Police Reform, released Oct. 14, recommends Worcester create a civilian oversight entity for its police department. The report notes Worcester remains “one of the few major cities in the nation without a civilian review board or comparable oversight structure.”
The report follows a December 2024 U.S. Department of Justice investigation that found patterns of excessive force and biased policing within the Worcester Police Department.
Shortly after the report’s release, City Council Vice Chair Khrystian King issued a statement supporting its recommendations.
“The time for studies and discussions is over. The time for action is now,” King said. He said he plans to file a motion asking City Manager Eric Batista and Police Chief Paul Saucier to review the recommendations and report back on next steps.
Murray said he hopes WRRB leadership considers changes to its board structure but encouraged the community to continue supporting the organization’s research.
The Worcester Guardian has requested comment from WRRB leadership and will update this story if a response is provided.
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