In September 2024, WRRB released Mass. Exodus from Civil Service, since then significant developments have taken place, this updated brief outlines the changes and their affects on police and fire departments.

A significant shift is underway as Massachusetts municipal police departments increasingly request exemptions from the Civil Service Law. Worcester's recent petition to exempt the chief and deputy chief positions highlights this trend.

In Worcester's rapidly changing urban landscape, safeguarding the city's most vulnerable road users (VRU’s) — pedestrians, cyclists, and others outside of vehicles — has emerged as a pivotal concern. This report comes after recent tragedies in Worcester, leading the City Manager to declare a ‘road safety and traffic violence crisis’.

On November 15, 2022, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the Office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachel S. Rollins announced the start of a “Pattern-or-Practice” investigation of the Worcester Police Department.

The Research Bureau is pleased to present its latest report To Protect Lives and Property: The Role of the Worcester Fire Department in Emergency Medical Services. The job of a firefighter has changed dramatically since the Worcester Fire Department (WFD) was established in 1835.

Research in the Public Interest.

This report looks at recent performance trends in Worcester's police department, fire department, and emergency medical services.

This report measures the performance of Worcester’s police department, fire department, and ambulance/emergency medical services.

This report measures the performance of Worcester's police department, fire department, and ambulance/emergency medical services.

This report complements The Research Bureau's recently-released report, "What's Up With Downtown Worcester?: Prospects for Revitalization." Discussed are the results of the Downtown ComNET (Computerized Neighborhood Environment Tracking) survey, which tracks the physical condition of a neighborhood, including streets, sidewalks, and buildings.