After Massachusetts police officers were accused of sexual assault, city launches hotline to report cops for misconduct

Worcester has launched a hotline for residents to report alleged misconduct by cops after the Department of Justice’s bombshell report about city police officers allegedly sexually assaulting women and other misconduct.

The DOJ last week released a scathing report about the Worcester Police Department, alleging that the city and police department have committed civil rights violations.

Now a week later, the city has created a hotline for members of the public to report alleged misconduct by police officers. That includes reports of sexual harassment, excessive force, discrimination, and bias.

“The launch of the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s hotline is an important step in ensuring that the proper policies and procedures are in place for accountability,” City Manager Eric Batista said in a statement.

“I have full confidence in the EODEI to build upon the policy and practice efforts we are already making,” the Worcester city manager added.

The Department of Justice last week accused the Worcester Police Department of using excessive force. The police department also allegedly “engages in outrageous government conduct” by allowing undercover officers to participate in sexual contact with prostitutes, the DOJ said.

The feds also raised “serious concerns” that Worcester police officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest and engaged in other sexual misconduct.

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The new city hotline was live as of Monday, and all submissions will be received and reviewed by the EODEI Investigations Division.

EODEI’s investigators will examine all evidence and testimony independently and without bias, the city said.

“I want to reaffirm the municipality’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents,” said Chief Equity Officer Kevin Lovaincy. “The EODEI will continue to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to foster relationships of trust and collaboration.

“All investigations conducted within the EODEI will be performed impartially, without bias, to ensure a system of checks and balances that protects the integrity of the process and upholds accountability,” Lovaincy added.

Members of the public can call the hotline at 774-548-1696 to submit a report of discrimination, bias, harassment, or excessive force to the EODEI’s Investigations Division.

Individuals may also submit reports via an online intake form available on the City of Worcester website at forms.worcesterma.gov/f/InvestigationsIntake.

The form can be found on the municipality’s homepage as well as the departmental pages for the EODEI, City Manager’s Office, Worcester 311, Mayor’s Office, City Council Office, and Human Resources. Residents can also visit the EODEI at 51 Sever St., if they prefer to submit a report in person.

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