WORCESTER – The Worcester Police Department [WPD] has issued a response to the independent review and report of the arrest of 19 protesters on the night of June 1.
As ThisWeekinWorcester.com previously reported, Clark University engaged the Law Offices of Bowditch and Dewey LLP to conduct an independent review of the arrests. Four students of Clark University were among those arrested that night.
The WPD statement says that report is accurate in portraying the behavior of some protesters.
WPD also says it is conducting its own investigation into the events that night and allegation made about the actions of police officers.
The full statement by WPD issued on Thursday, July 2:
We have reviewed the report commissioned by Clark University regarding the events that transpired on June 1 after a peaceful rally that was held at City Hall in response to the killing of George Floyd. This report accurately paints a picture of the behavior by some protesters that led to 19 arrests by Worcester Police much later in the evening after the rally. We are conducting our own investigation into the night of June 1, and are looking into allegations made by some students regarding actions taken by police during their arrests. This type of investigation takes place anytime we receive allegations of questionable actions, whether through a formal complaint or media reports. We look forward to completing this process, and remain committed to full and complete accountability.
