The Worcester City Council rejected a proposal to establish a civilian review board for the police department late Tuesday, after residents packed a five-hour meeting to demand greater independence, transparency and accountability in police oversight.
The council voted 8-3 to file the matter, with Councilors Khrystian King, Luis Ojeda and Robert Bilotta opposed. The vote followed extensive public comment and a presentation from Worcester Chief Equity Officer Kevin Lovaincy, who outlined the city’s existing oversight system and the administration’s recommendation that Worcester strengthen that framework rather than create a separate civilian board.
Lovaincy said the current structure includes five civilian investigators who report to him rather than to the Worcester Police Department or its command structure…