Posted by Jeremy Shulkin
We just received this press release from the WPD regarding a November 2008 investigation by Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office into inappropriate use of overtime compensation.
The press release says that a grand jury heard evidence for the investigation in October of 2009 and that in “communications with the Attorney General’s Office it has been the position of the police department that the overtime abuse matter was satisfactorily resolved through administrative action.”
The timing on this seems odd. Are they revving up their PR machine because they know something’s coming?
Update: The Attorney General’s office has concluded an investigation into the misuse of overtime payment, but the results of the probe will be held until after Tuesday’s election.
The full release after the jump.
Worcester Police Department
9-11 Lincoln Square
Worcester, MA 01608
Press Release: Attorney General’s Office Investigation Into WPD Overtime
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Contact: Sgt. Kerry Hazelhurst
Public Information Officer
(508) 799-8611
In November of 2008 the Worcester Police Department presented information to the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley regarding inappropriate overtime compensation paid to a limited number of police personnel. In October of 2009 the Attorney General convened a special grand jury to hear evidence in the case. The Attorney General’s Office has not provided any additional information to the Worcester Police Department regarding the investigation.
In prior discussions and communications with the Attorney General’s Office it has been the position of the police department that the overtime abuse matter was satisfactorily resolved through administrative action. This includes the resignations of certain personnel, the payment of restitution by others, and the development and implementation of management systems to prevent abuse. In some cases the actions of police personnel were mitigated by the facts uncovered in the investigation.
It is our hope that the administrative action taken by the Worcester Police Department satisfactorily resolves this matter in the eyes of the public and the special grand jury.
Any additional requests for information should be directed to the Attorney General’s Office.
Daily Worcesteria 