For Immediate Release: 12/16/2024 12:07 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – City Manager Eric D. Batista and the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EODEI) announced Monday the establishment of a hotline for members of the public to report alleged misconduct by police officers. The hotline is live as of Monday, Dec. 16, and all submissions will be received and reviewed by the EODEI Investigations Division.
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 https://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. should they prefer to submit a report in person. Residents are asked to please leave a voicemail if their call is not answered. Investigators will return the call as soon as possible.
“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,” said Batista. “I have full confidence in the EODEI to build upon the policy and practice efforts we are already making.”
EODEI’s Investigators will examine all evidence and testimony independently and without bias.
“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.”
Please note that this is not an emergency line, if you believe you are in danger or suffering a crisis, call 911 immediately.
