U.S. Department of Justice Closes Investigation into Worcester Police Department

WORCESTER, Mass. - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) informed the City of Worcester Thursday that is has chosen to close its investigation into the Worcester Police Department without further action and without sustaining any allegations from its 2024 report.

When the DOJ released its original report, the municipality was already taking steps to improve its practices to promote fair, safe, and unbiased policing in the community. That work continued after the report was announced and will continue into the future, as ongoing improvement is necessary to have an effective police force.

"I want to thank the DOJ for recognizing the positive steps the WPD has taken to strengthen its policies and practices and for their thorough attention to this matter," City Manager Eric D. Batista said. "I also want to thank Chief Saucier and the entire department for working cooperatively with the DOJ and for their work every day that helps make Worcester one of the safest mid-sized cities in the country. While the DOJ investigation may be closed, we remain committed to proactive evaluation and improvement."