Worcester Police Chief Accuses Health Board Of 'Toxic Rhetoric'

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester's police chief responded Wednesday to a Board of Health member's assertion that the chief has lied about racism inside the police department.

Chief Steven Sargent was among several city officials who attended a Monday Board of Health public hearing, which was held to discuss police brutality and racism. During the meeting, member David Fort accused Sargent of "literally lying" — Sargent had previously said he has seen no racism in the department, although a Worcester Telegram report has contradicted that claim.

In a social media post Wednesday, Sargent said he attended the Board of Health hearing to "[deepen] relationships with communities of color." But Sargent said Fort's accusation was harmful.

"I will not be responding to his toxic rhetoric," Sargent said in a statement, which did not refer to Fort by name. "I will continue to meet with those who work to strive for the change that we all seek. I am willing to listen. I am willing to learn. I am willing to take action to make positive changes."

Fort, who is Black, has previously said he has encountered racism with Worcester police, including an incident where he was held at gunpoint in front of his white friends. Board of Health member Chareese Allen, who is also Black, said she's experienced similar uncomfortable incidents with Worcester officers.

Other attendees at Monday's hearing — including former Worcester officer William Gardner — reported witnessing police bias in Worcester. However, police union president Sgt. Richard Cipro challenged those anecdotes, saying he doesn't believe anyone has shown evidence of systemic racism in the department.