Worcester Police Forum Collides With New Police Reform Proposal

Worcester MA

21 February, 2021

8:46 AM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — Following a turbulent week that saw a new lawsuit over misconduct, an investigation into an officer sick-out and a major police reform proposal, Worcester police leaders will host a citywide forum on Monday about a controversial new law enforcement tool that purportedly predicts crime. Worcester police want to buy a new software tool called ShotSpotter Connect, but have faced opposition from local activists. The Monday forum will feature representatives from ShotSpotter — a company that mainly sells acoustic devices that detect gunshots — answering questions about ShotSpotter Connect to address concerns about its ability to forecast crime. The meeting comes after Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. on Friday released a long anticipated police reform proposal, which was sparked by the summer reckoning over racism and police brutality. The proposal, which is subject to City Council approval, would remove police from public schools, ban facial recognition technology and create a cabinet-level Division of Investigations to handle complaints from residents, among other items. "It is undeniable that structural and institutional racism permeate our entire society, at all levels of government, and in all institutions," Augustus wrote in a letter to City Council. "To dismantle it, we must do more than give lip service, we must reimagine our ideals and take the necessary steps to achieve them. That means real reform that gives voice to those who have too often felt left out of them conversation." Reaction to the proposal from the city's main police union, the IBPO Local 504, was negative, with a key leader insinuating police would hold a demonstration on opening day of the WooSox season. "Looks like some good old fashion 'bare knuckled' union action will be forthcoming!!" Local 504 leader and Worcester sergeant Richard Cipro wrote in a Friday Facebook post. "Too bad the last 30 years of good relations with the city is ruined by someone who 'stole' the job from a person of color!!!!" Augustus' new proposal comes after his office confirmed an investigation into a police sick-out. More than a dozen officers may have participated in the protest over an officer's suspension following an altercation with a man who was strapped to a stretcher. Augustus and several police officers were also sued this week by a former Uber driver who says he was assaulted by police — including one officer using racist language — for filming an arrest in 2018. It's the fourth misconduct lawsuit against Worcester police over the past year. The citywide forum with Worcester police begins Monday at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Meanwhile, Augustus' reform proposal will go before City Council at the Tuesday meeting.