City Council Vice Chairman Khrystian E. King, in a statement Tuesday, called for the city to “explore in earnest” the establishment of a civilian review board with staff and subpoena powers – provisions many have called critical to ensuring such a board has the teeth necessary to provide meaningful oversight.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that effectively eliminates or limits municipal civilian oversight boards, according to agenda materials.

Though it was limited in authority, advocates say the board provided a higher degree of police transparency that the community will now miss.

The report alleges excessive force and sexual misconduct, including credible reports that officers sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest.

In his first public remarks on the investigation, Joshua Levy also expressed confidence in the city's interim police chief.

The DOJ report accuses Worcester police of misconduct, including excessive force and sexual wrongdoing. Mayor Petty vows to address the findings seriously.