Worcester Police Dept. has paid out millions in lawsuits over the years

While its unclear what specifically has triggered the Department of Justice and United States Attorney Rachael Rollins Offices federal probe into the Worcester Police Department, the department has paid out millions to settle lawsuits against the department in the last decade. And several lawsuits are ongoing.

Federal officials announced an investigation into possible patterns of excessive force discriminatory policing based on race or sex in Worcester on Tuesday.

The investigation will include a comprehensive review of policies, procedures, trainings, investigatory files and data, Rollins said. The investigation will also review the departments systems of accountability and how officers interact with the public, collect evidence and complete investigations.