Investigations

The Investigations Division serves all City of Worcester employees and residents. It investigates reports of discrimination against City of Worcester employees and departments. Discrimination can include:

• Not accommodating a City employee's disability, pregnancy or religious practices,
• Unwanted comments or conduct because of someone’s:
• Age, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, color, national origin, language, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status
• Unwanted comments or conduct of a sexual nature,
• Retaliatory comments or conduct because:
• Someone reported discrimination to the Division,
• Someone assisted the Division with an investigation, or
• A City employee asked for a workplace accommodation because of their disability, pregnancy or religion.

The Investigations Division also investigates reports of discrimination and bias against City of Worcester Police Department (WPD) personnel. All other issues with WPD personnel unrelated to discrimination and bias are investigated by the Department's Bureau of Professional Standards.

Investigation Process

The steps of the investigation process include:

1.  A City employee or resident contacts the Investigations Division and reports discrimination or bias against a City employee or department.
2. Investigations Division staff meet with that employee or resident to discuss the reported allegations in greater detail.
3. The Investigators collect and examine evidence and interview others as needed.
4. The Investigators make their findings based on all the collected information.
5. If the Investigators determine that the accused City employee(s) "more likely than not" engaged in discrimination or bias, the City of Worcester immediately addresses the problem, which may include disciplinary action against any accused employee(s).

Online Intake Form

Please use the online form linked below to submit a report of discrimination or bias to the Investigations Division.

Investigations Division Intake Form

Hotline

Members of the public can call the Investigations Division's hotline at 774-548-1696 or visit the Investigation Division's Office at 51 Sever Street to submit a report of discrimination, bias, harassment or excessive force specific to the Worcester Police Department.