Public commenters and multiple councilors used the city manager evaluation session to press for clearer action following a Department of Justice report and to urge steps to rebuild trust between residents and the Worcester Police Department.

At public comment, resident Fred Nathan said the federal report remains “hanging over the city” and urged the administration to let the report’s public discussion proceed. David Webb, an online commenter, said officials have not delivered accountability and urged managers not to mislead the public: “I think a manager should not lie to the people. I think that should be 1 of the basic things we're looking at here,” he said.

Several councilors echoed concerns about the administration’s public messaging after the report and recent incidents. “I am discouraged by the response of the DOJ report,” Councilor Hajjak said, and suggested the manager consider formal steps to improve oversight. She told the council she had heard that community members “have not felt heard or believed” after recent police and immigration-related incidents.

Hajjak asked the manager to consider issuing an executive order to create a civilian review board and to deploy the city’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion more actively in oversight and community outreach. “The manager can also, take the lead in issuing an executive order related to the implementation of a civilian review board,” she said.

Councilors and the mayor acknowledged recent policy work by Police Chief Paul Saucier — including new training and a gun intelligence unit — but said those steps had not yet closed a trust gap with some Black and Latino residents. Councilor Faso said the Worcester Police Department has “made strides” but called for continued dialogue and community engagement.

Manager Josh O’Neill told the council his administration will continue to review best practices, hold discussions with community groups, and pursue reforms in coordination with the police department and other city offices. He also emphasized the need for data-driven approaches and continued community outreach.

No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; several councilors said they would follow up with staff and expect written proposals or briefings on next steps.