Justice Department investigating Worcester Police over excessive force, discriminatory practice claims
WORCESTER -- The Justice Department has launched a civil investigation into the Worcester Police Department.
Federal investigators will look at claims Worcester Police have a practice of using excessive force or discriminating based on race or gender.
"The purpose of this civil investigation is to determine - through objective and thorough examination - whether or not there is an overall pattern or practice of conduct that violates the Constitution or federal law. This is the beginning of the process. We will go where the facts take us," U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure that policing in Worcester is constitutional, safe, and effective all while the civil rights of their residents remain intact."
Attorney Joseph Hennessey told WBZ he and other local lawyers have been reporting misconduct within the department for years.
"We see a lot of injuries that take place during arrest. Pure violence from officers even when the individuals are complying," said Hennessey.
The Justice Department will be reaching out to the public about their experiences with Worcester Police. They will also evaluate how officers train, collect evidence, and complete investigations.
At the beginning of the month, video was released from an incident where Worcester Police tasered a pastor in his church. The police body camera footage was used during Rev. Joseph Rizzuti, Sr.'s trial, where he was acquitted on charges of assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.
Hennessey said Rizzuti is one of many clients who have experienced excessive force. He shared several videos with WBZ of other instances where his clients were targeted unfairly by police.
He said one of his clients has been stopped 100 times since 2015.
Video shows a Black man as a passenger in a vehicle being told to get out of the car by police. The man says, "I'm in the passenger seat." The officer responds, "yeah you look like someone who has a warrant."
In another video a Hispanic woman is recording officers searching her car after being pulled over. She was driving with her mom. Nothing was found in their search but when an officer saw her taking a video, he ripped her cell phone out of her hands.
She said, "Give me my phone." The officer replied, "You're under investigation."
In 2019, Christopher Ayala-Melendez was thrown to the ground and attacked by a police K-9 outside a Worcester beer garden. He was arrested for assault and battery of a police officer.
When video was released of the incident, Ayala-Melendez was cleared of all charges. He later sued the Police Department.
Hennessey hopes the investigation sparks real change. "My hope is they'll change their policies and practices," Hennessey said.
In a statement city officials said the following:
"The city and Worcester Police Department collectively strive to deliver the highest quality of municipal services to residents and will continue to do so in a transparent and professional manner as the investigation takes its course."